The Kano State Government has imposed a ban on all live political programmes aired on radio and television to curb the spread of inflammatory speech.

The ban was announced by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a meeting with media executives in Kano.

Waiya said the decision was not intended to silence political voices but to protect public order and moral standards.

According to him, the government feels that the use of derogatory and abusive language during live political discussions could jeopardise public decency and peace, which is why the action was taken.

“We are not out to gag the media or suppress political opposition,” Waiya said.

“Our concern is to uphold responsible communication that aligns with the cultural and religious sensitivities of Kano State.”

Waiya added that the government has observed a positive shift in media conduct, noting that “the reduction in abusive language on air is commendable and a direct result of our previous engagements with media professionals.”

As part of new broadcast guidelines, all guests appearing on radio or TV programmes in Kano must now sign an undertaking to refrain from making offensive or inflammatory remarks.

Presenters have also been warned against asking provocative questions or making gestures that could incite contentious responses.

“This is a collective effort to preserve the integrity of our media and ensure the dignity of the state is not compromised,” the commissioner added.

Waiya also disclosed that the state government has launched sensitisation campaigns targeting political broadcasters, commentators, and religious figures, including clerics, to promote constructive dialogue across public platforms. (The Guardian)