The Kano State Government has officially banned live political programs on broadcast media in a move aimed at curbing hate speech and preserving the state’s cultural and religious values.
The decision was announced following a quarterly meeting between the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, and media executives in the state. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Information, focused on fostering collaboration between the government and media outlets to promote ethical journalism and protect Kano’s public image.
Commissioner Waiya expressed gratitude to media leaders for their ongoing cooperation and noted a significant drop in the use of abusive language on air—an outcome he attributed to previous collaborative efforts. He emphasized that the government’s intention is not to stifle political discourse but to ensure that public communication remains respectful and constructive.
To further support this initiative, sensitization sessions have been held for political program presenters, media commentators, and members of the Council of Friday Imams, aimed at promoting responsible messaging.
As part of the new directives, all media guests appearing on air for political discussions will now be required to sign an undertaking to avoid defamatory, abusive, or culturally insensitive remarks. Presenters have also been cautioned against posing provocative questions or making suggestive comments that could incite controversy or harm reputations.
Media executives welcomed the resolutions and pledged to uphold professional standards while offering recommendations to enhance responsible broadcasting and foster societal harmony.