The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with radio political programme presenters to promote responsible public discourse and prevent the misuse of broadcast platforms for the spread of misinformation, particularly on security-related matters.
This assurance was given during a special meeting convened by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, with leaders of the Heads of Radio Political Presenters Forum, Kano State.
Kano State MoI Partners Society of Nigerian Broadcasters SNB
The meeting was held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall.
Speaking at the engagement, Comrade Waiya said the meeting became necessary in view of recent security concerns in some local government areas bordering Katsina State, which have attracted heightened public interest and extensive discussions across media platforms.
The Commissioner acknowledged the important role political programmes play in democratic engagement but stressed that presenters must exercise caution, professionalism, and responsibility when handling sensitive security issues.
He urged members of the Forum to refrain from allowing politicians and political actors to discuss security matters on political programmes, noting that such issues are better handled through news bulletins and other specialised programmes designed to disseminate verified and official security information.
According to him, unregulated discussions on security by politicians often fuel speculation, misinformation, and unnecessary public panic.
He warned that portraying Kano State as unsafe or exaggerating security challenges could erode public confidence, threaten social stability, and negatively impact the state’s economic prospects.
Comrade Waiya reiterated that the Kano State Government remains firmly in control of the security situation and is working closely with relevant security agencies to address emerging threats.
He called on radio political presenters to support these efforts by ensuring that discussions on their programmes remain factual, responsible, professional, and focused on promoting peace and development.
The Commissioner commended members of the Forum for their cooperation with the government and urged them to continue upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and the public interest in the discharge of their duties.
Responding on behalf of the Forum, the Chairman, Heads of Radio Political Presenters Forum, Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Wali, pledged the members’ commitment to responsible broadcasting and strict adherence to professional ethics.
He assured the Commissioner that political presenters would intensify monitoring of political discussions on their platforms and discourage sensational, speculative, or unverified narratives, especially on security-related matters.
Reinforcing the Kano Broadcasters Media Ethics Resolution
Alhaji Wali thanked the Commissioner and the Kano State Government for the engagement and for recognising the role of political presenters in shaping public opinion and sustaining democratic values in the state.