NBA Slams Kano Government Over Media Regulations, Calls Move Unconstitutional
#NaijaRush #Nigeria #Arrest #Fugitives #Breaking #BreakingNews #NewsUpdate #Feed #Viral #Borno #Trending
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the recent broadcast directives issued by the Kano State Government, asserting that no state government has the constitutional right to regulate radio and television content in Nigeria. According to the NBA, this authority lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The reaction comes after the Kano government introduced a series of controversial media regulations, which it claims are intended to protect the cultural and religious values of the state. These include a total ban on live political programmes, mandatory undertakings from media guests to avoid abusive or defamatory comments, and strict limits on what presenters can say or ask during broadcasts.
One directive reportedly reads:
“Presenters are prohibited from asking provocative questions or making gestures that could incite defamation or damage Kano State’s image.”
While the state government claims these rules were agreed upon during meetings with local media executives, the NBA has pushed back firmly, calling the directives "entirely unconstitutional" and a direct threat to freedom of expression.
NBA: Only NBC Has Legal Authority to Regulate Broadcasting
NBA President Afam Osigwe released a strongly worded statement denouncing the move:
“The Nigerian Bar Association unequivocally states that no state government has the legal competence to regulate or censor broadcast content in Nigeria.”
Osigwe emphasized that under the NBC Act, only the National Broadcasting Commission has the mandate to oversee broadcasting standards and enforce compliance through established mechanisms.
“If any station is found in breach of these guidelines, the NBC—not state governments—is empowered to take corrective action,” he added.
A Threat to Democracy and Media Freedom
Osigwe warned that the ban on live political programming could undermine Nigeria's democracy:
“Attempting to suppress live political programming under the guise of maintaining public order sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the vibrancy of political discourse, transparency, and accountability.”
He stressed that media independence and public access to unfiltered information are non-negotiable pillars of a democratic society.
Constitutional Violation
The NBA also argued that the Kano directives violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of expression:
“This unilateral action by the Kano State Government amounts to a gross violation of the constitutional right to receive and impart information without interference,” Osigwe said.
NBA Urges NBC to Reassert Authority
The NBA concluded by calling on the NBC to act swiftly to prevent further overreach by state governments:
“The NBA calls for the immediate reversal of this directive and urges the National Broadcasting Commission to reassert its regulatory authority to prevent future encroachments.”
