By ABC News Nigeria
Tension is reportedly mounting among working journalists in Katsina State following controversy surrounding a ₦100 million media support announced by Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kabir Ibrahim Masari.
Masari had, a few days ago, met with about 80 reporters drawn from various media organisations in the state during an engagement held at Makera Hotel in Katsina.
At the meeting, Masari reportedly appealed to journalists to support efforts aimed at promoting the policies and programmes of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through their reportage, particularly ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He was also said to have announced a ₦100 million donation intended to support media-related activities, with emphasis on publicity and the promotion of the APC across participating media platforms.
However, the handling and distribution of the funds have reportedly triggered discontent among some journalists who attended the meeting.
Sources familiar with the development claimed that some of the organisers, including individuals with links to the journalism profession, allegedly selected only a limited number of reporters, social media influencers and public commentators to participate in the proposed media promotion activities.
The development has reportedly left several working journalists dissatisfied, with some questioning the criteria allegedly used in selecting beneficiaries.
The controversy has also generated complaints within media circles in Katsina, as some journalists are said to be demanding greater transparency over how the funds are being managed and who qualifies to benefit.
There are also claims that some aggrieved journalists are considering legal action if the matter is not satisfactorily resolved.
As of the time of filing this report, the organisers had not publicly explained the criteria for the selection of beneficiaries or responded to the allegations surrounding the distribution of the announced funds.
ABC News Nigeria could not independently verify the claims regarding the alleged exclusion of journalists or the precise manner in which the ₦100 million is being administered.
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