Kano Media Ban on Live Political Programmes Triggers Protests Legal Concerns
A ban on live political radio programmes in Kano State has triggered a storm of protests and raised constitutional questions over press freedom, as journalists, political opposition, and civil rights groups accuse the state government of overstepping its legal bounds.
The controversial directive—signed by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Kano State Ministry of Information—was released after a quarterly media meeting. It justified the ban as a measure to curb inflammatory broadcasts and protect Kano’s cultural and religious sensibilities. However, widespread backlash followed. Critics argue the move amounts to state interference in broadcasting, which under Nigerian law is regulated solely by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Veteran journalist Abubakar Haruna Galadanci said, “It’s laughable. This directive is not within the purview of any state government. It’s a clear violation of the Constitution.”
Contradicting claims have emerged from within the media community itself. Ado Saidu Warawa, Chairman of the Forum of Media Executives in Kano and General Manager of Freedom Radio, stated that the suspension was a voluntary decision by broadcasters due to repeated abuses by political guests. “It was not the government’s directive. We acted to prevent defamation and incitement,” he asserted. But many journalists disagree. “If the media initiated this, why issue a formal directive? Let the broadcasters speak for themselves,” said Abdurrashid Hussain, Head of New Media at Premier Radio Kano. Political opposition has also condemned the move. Ahmed Aruwa, spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, warned of a legal challenge. “This administration is not NBC. It cannot dictate content. Silencing opposition through this ban is undemocratic,” he said. Civil society groups echoed the alarm. Comrade Auwal Usman of the Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation called the ban an abuse of authority. “Unless there’s legal backing, we will not comply. Freedom of expression must not be sacrificed under the guise of cultural values,” he said.
The absence of an enforcement mechanism has further muddied the situation, with implementation still unclear. The standoff continues to attract public attention in Kano, where calls are mounting for transparency, legal clarity, and adherence to democratic norms.
