Kano State Government has announced a ban on live political programmes across all media platforms in the state in a sweeping move aimed at tightening control over broadcast content.
The directive, which also prohibits journalists from asking “provocative questions,” was revealed after a meeting between government officials and media executives.
The meeting, chaired by the spokesperson to the state governor, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, was part of the state’s quarterly engagement with media stakeholders and took place at the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
A statement signed by Sani Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting what it called “responsible journalism” while safeguarding Kano’s cultural and religious heritage.
“Going forward, any individual invited for a media interview must sign an undertaking to abstain from making abusive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive remarks,” the statement read.
As part of the new directives, journalists and programme presenters have been warned against asking questions or making gestures that could incite controversy or provoke defamatory responses.
“This is not a clampdown on freedom of expression,” Commissioner Waiya reportedly stated during the meeting. “Rather, it is a deliberate step to ensure that the media space in Kano fosters unity, peace, and respect for our shared values.”
The commissioner also highlighted that similar sensitization efforts have been extended to political commentators and religious leaders, including the Council of Friday Imams, in an effort to align public discourse with the state’s moral and cultural standards.
While the media executives present at the meeting pledged their continued cooperation and made suggestions to improve broadcast quality and language use, the chairman of the Kano Media Executives Forum, Daniel Aboki, distanced himself from the event.
“I wasn’t in Kano at the time the meeting was held,” Aboki told newsmen. “I’ll give my official position on the matter when the time is right.”
According to the ministry, the quarterly sessions will continue as a platform for building trust and aligning media practices with government policies.
“We believe in the power of the media to shape society,” said Sani Yola. “But with that power comes the responsibility to avoid content that can damage reputations or disrupt public peace.”
