NBC, Not States, Regulate Broadcast Content – SAN Reacts to Kano Broadcast Ban
Khadijah Bello Yakasai
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Sunusi Musa, has criticized the Kano State Government’s decision to ban live political programmes on broadcast media, calling it “absurd, laughable and unconstitutional.”
The directive, issued by Sani Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, instructs media organizations to stop all live political discussions.
It also warns presenters against asking “provocative questions” and requires guests to sign undertakings not to make comments labeled as abusive, defamatory, or offensive to cultural values.
Reacting on Facebook, Barrister Musa questioned the legality and reasoning behind the directive, stating that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not state governments, is responsible for broadcast regulation.
“The most absurd and laughable news today is the purported ban on live political programs in all radio stations by the Kano State Government,” he wrote.
Musa recalled a 2012 meeting with the current Commissioner for Information during a political visit, expressing surprise that such a decision could come from a government led by lawyers.
“As a lawyer, I am sure the Hon. Commissioner has basic knowledge of our Constitution, which he swore to uphold,” he said. “Perhaps he did not consider Section 20 of the Constitution and item 60 of the Exclusive Legislative List in the Second Schedule, Part I, before advising the governor to impose this ban.”
Musa said the NBC is the federal agency authorized to regulate broadcast content across the country. He added that if a state government has concerns about political programmes, it should raise them through official channels.
“If the Government has any problem with such live programs, it should approach the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) with a proposal. If the NBC finds merit in the request, it can act accordingly,” Musa advised.
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