The Kano State Government has announced an indefinite suspension of all live political programmes on radio and television stations operating within the state.
The decision, which was communicated to the public on May 8, 2025, follows mounting apprehension by state authorities over what they describe as increasingly inflammatory political content being aired on local media channels.
According to the government, the ban is a preventive measure aimed at preserving public order, safeguarding Kano’s religious and cultural values, and averting the misuse of media platforms for spreading misinformation and inciting political unrest.
The decision was disclosed during a closed-door meeting between officials of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs and media executives in the state, chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
Speaking through a statement issued by the Director of Special Duties in the ministry, Sani Abba Yola, the state government emphasized that the suspension is not intended to stifle freedom of speech or silence opposition voices, but rather to encourage a more responsible and ethical use of the airwaves.
“We have observed a disturbing trend of offensive and sometimes defamatory content being broadcast during live political programmes,” Yola stated. “This content not only disrespects our values but also threatens the peace and stability of our society.”
The ministry noted that a number of political talk shows, often aired during peak hours, have served as platforms for heated debates that sometimes devolve into personal attacks, ethnic and religious incitement, and unverified allegations aimed at damaging reputations. In response, the new directive bars live transmission of any political discussions until further notice.
Under the policy, any individual invited to speak on a political programme must now sign an undertaking committing not to make inflammatory, defamatory, or divisive statements.
Likewise, media presenters are urged to exercise discretion by avoiding provocative or leading questions during pre-recorded interviews and panel discussions. These measures are to ensure that public discourse remains civil and constructive.
The government added that the move was part of a larger plan to professionalize and regulate broadcasting within Kano State, where radio remains the most accessible and influential medium of communication.
The decision follows multiple warnings issued to media stations over the last year about content deemed unsuitable for broadcast.
To complement this new policy, the Kano State Government has also announced the launch of an awareness campaign that will target media personnel, religious leaders, and political stakeholders.
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One of the focal groups includes members of the influential Council of Friday Imams, who have been called upon to use their sermons and public influence to promote peace and responsible civic behavior.
The government says that recent engagement efforts with the media have yielded some positive results, including a reduction in the use of offensive language on air.
“We have seen improvements in the tone and quality of discussions recently, but more needs to be done,” Commissioner Waiya noted during the meeting. “We are not against political dialogue. In fact, we encourage it—but it must be done within the limits of decency, truth, and responsibility.”
The reaction to the policy has been mixed. Some civil society organizations have raised concerns about potential misuse of the policy to censor opposition parties and dissenting opinions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Human rights lawyer Hajara Bello cautioned that while efforts to ensure decency in media are commendable, the government must tread carefully to avoid infringing on constitutional rights.
“The right to freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental in a democratic society,” she said. “The implementation of this ban must be monitored closely to prevent abuse.”
However, other stakeholders—particularly religious and traditional leaders—have expressed support for the decision, citing the need to maintain societal harmony in a deeply conservative and multi-ethnic state like Kano.
“Political conversations have become too toxic on air,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu, a prominent community leader in Gwale. “Some guests come on radio just to insult others or promote division. The government is right to intervene before things spiral out of control.”
This move by Kano is not unprecedented. Several other Nigerian states have at times restricted live broadcasts or imposed fines on media outlets found guilty of broadcasting hate speech or inciting content.
However, the indefinite nature of Kano’s directive and the broad language used in defining “offensive” content have prompted calls for greater transparency in how the policy will be enforced.
As the policy takes effect, media houses in Kano are adjusting their schedules and reviewing their editorial practices.
Some have already replaced live programmes with recorded political analysis, while others are in consultations with legal advisers to determine how best to comply without compromising their mission to inform the public.
Whether the suspension of live political programming achieves its intended goals or provokes further debates on censorship and governance remains to be seen. For now, Kano residents are watching closely as the state walks a tightrope between regulation and repression.
Crediblenewsng.com
