By Kasim Isa Muhammad
I wish to bring to the attention of the Nigerian public, press freedom advocates, and all relevant authorities the deeply troubling situation that has unfolded since the publication of my recent article. What began as a civic-driven inquiry into the visibility and constituency engagement of an elected representative has now escalated into an issue touching on personal safety, democratic accountability, and the worrying misuse of influence. The unfolding events have created an atmosphere of fear within my family and have underscored the increasing challenges journalists and citizens face when attempting to demand transparency from public officeholders.
On the 4th of December 2025, I authored a piece in the Daily Chronicles newspaper in which I raised questions regarding the whereabouts and activities of the member representing Nangere and Potiskum Federal Constituency, Hon. Fatima Talba. The article responded to concerns from many constituents who felt disconnected from their representative and uncertain about the progress of projects and engagements promised during the last election. My intention was simply to give voice to those concerns in a constructive and democratic manner, drawing attention to matters that are clearly in the public interest.
The article itself did not contain inflammatory language, personal attacks, or unverified allegations. It was essentially a call for dialogue, transparency, and responsiveness, qualities that any functioning democracy expects of its elected officials. I anticipated a clarification or a factual correction or perhaps a simple acknowledgement from her office. I did not expect the irresponsible reaction that followed and which has now placed undue emotional pressure on my family.
According to my parents, shortly after the publication of the article, they began receiving calls and visits from individuals whom they believed to be linked to the Honourable Member. These individuals reportedly expressed displeasure over the content of the piece. My parents informed me that Hon. Fatima Talba was extremely upset and that she allegedly made threatening remarks suggesting she would deal with me in whatever manner she considered appropriate. Hearing this from my parents was both painful and disturbing since they have no connection whatsoever to my professional work.
For two elderly people who have lived quiet and peaceful lives and who have never been involved in political matters, these alleged threats came as a frightening experience. They were confused about why they were being dragged into an issue that concerned my work alone. No parent should be placed in a position where they feel fear simply because their child has chosen to engage in responsible journalism or has raised questions that are fully within the bounds of democratic rights. Their anxiety has been overwhelming and their sense of security has been shaken.
As a journalist, I am fully aware that my work may sometimes provoke disagreement or criticism. Scrutiny is part of the job and public officials have every right to respond to any publication in ways that are lawful, transparent, and civil. What cannot be tolerated is the intimidation or harassment of family members who have no involvement in the matter being discussed. Such behaviour, if confirmed, would suggest an unacceptable misuse of influence and would undermine the principles of free expression that support a democratic society.
It is particularly baffling that instead of addressing the substance of the concerns raised in the article, the alleged reaction appears to have been directed at silencing me through fear. This development raises questions about how some public officials perceive their accountability to the citizens and the press. When a simple inquiry is met with intimidation rather than engagement, it signals a serious departure from democratic norms and creates the risk of authoritarian tendencies taking root in our political culture.
I want to emphasize that my article was never intended to harm Hon. Fatima Talba or misrepresent her actions. My aim was to seek clarity regarding her stewardship and visibility as a representative of her constituency. The publication was meant to open a path for conversation and not to close it. The reaction that my parents described has only made the concerns raised in the article more relevant because it suggests a reluctance to engage openly with the issues that matter to the electorate.
Given the seriousness of the situation, I call on civil society organizations, press freedom advocates, human rights groups, and relevant government agencies to pay attention to what has occurred. Any form of intimidation directed at journalists or their families threatens not just individuals but the integrity of public institutions. A society where journalists fear asking questions is a society at risk of silencing truth and discouraging civic participation. The safety of my parents and the preservation of my constitutional rights must be taken seriously.
To Hon. Fatima Talba, I respectfully reiterate that criticism and inquiry are unavoidable parts of public service. If there were concerns about the accuracy or tone of my article, the appropriate response would have been a formal statement, a rebuttal, an interview, or any open engagement that provides clarification. Alleged threats, if they did occur, cannot be considered an acceptable response. They create fear, deepen mistrust, and widen the distance between public officials and the people they represent.
Furthermore, I urge the appropriate security agencies to investigate this matter carefully and impartially. Public office should never become a shield that protects individuals from scrutiny or a tool used to intimidate citizens. The safety of my family and the protection of my right to engage in journalism must not be compromised. If the allegations made by my parents are proven to be accurate, steps must be taken to prevent any recurrence of such conduct by anyone in a position of authority.
In closing, I reaffirm my dedication to the pursuit of truth, public accountability, and responsible journalism. I will not allow fear or intimidation to deter me from raising issues that matter to the public. I believe that democracy grows stronger when difficult questions are asked and weaker when those questions are answered with threats instead of explanations. My commitment remains firm, and my hope is that this incident becomes a reminder that Nigeria must continue to stand against intimidation and for the protection of democratic expression.
Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote in from Yobe State, Nigeria.