By Ayodele Oni
Free speech which is one of the strengths of democracy, has been censored in Kano State as Government announced measures to scrutinize religious preachings and some media activities.
The State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, during a quarterly meeting with media executives, announced the state government’s intention to restrict certain activities of media outlets and their practitioners in the state.
Waiya announced a ban on live political programmes across media outlets to prevent, what he referred to as “spread of inflammatory contents”.
As part of the new rules in the state, presenters are also banned from asking provocative questions or making suggestive gestures that could lead to statements capable of defaming individuals or damaging the image of Kano State.
The law also establishes that anyone appearing on media platforms for interviews must sign an undertaking to refrain from making abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks.
The Commissioner further added that it is the government’s commitment to preserving the state’s moral standards, disclosing that sensitization programmes have been organized for political programme presenters, media commentators, and the Council of Friday Imams.
These efforts, he noted, are designed to encourage responsible communication that conveys messages to the public without defamation or any act that could undermine the state’s reputation.
Waiya further clarified that the government’s stance is not to suppress political opposition, but rather to safeguard the sanctity of Kano’s cultural and religious values
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
