We wholeheartedly align with the resolution/agreement reached at the end of the recent quarterly tripartite meeting of the Kano State Broadcast Media Executives Forum, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, the host for the meeting.
We wish to underscore the critical need for urgent and decisive action to address the growing threats confronting our dear state.
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Kano, as the most populous state in the country with deeply rooted religious and cultural values, is increasingly being abused for its hospitality as a dumping ground for unregulated, unethical, and toxic political broadcast.
Alarmingly, it has become a destination for individuals all the way from states such as Yobe, Gombe, Katsina, Bauchi, and Jigawa, Sokoto and many others solely to exploit our media space as a platform for airing unedited, culturally insensitive, and morally bankrupt grievances against political opponents.
What compounds the danger is the total lack of accountability and editorial control over these broadcasts.
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These programmes, far from being legitimate expressions of free speech, often devolve into hateful tirades, personal insults, and provocative rhetoric that endanger the peace and core values of our communities.
Even our revered religious scholars, respected clerics, and traditional leaders have not been spared. They have been ridiculed and vilified in a manner that defies the ethics of both journalism and civil discourse.
Let it be clearly and firmly stated: this resolution by the broadcasters is neither intended nor should it ever be interpreted as an attempt to silence opposition or suppress freedom of expression.
It is our collective hope and firm belief that these measures will not be used as a tool of intimidation or political suppression. I, too, strongly uphold the right of every individual to express their views.
However, I equally believe in the enduring principle that one’s rights end where another’s begin. Freedom of speech must not be twisted into a license to incite hatred, defame others, or destabilize the harmony of our cherished society.
This reminds us of a critical revelation made during the earlier engagement between media executives, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and the Honourable Commissioner of Information.
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At that meeting, the NBC State Coordinator reported a troubling trend within just two months in January and February this year 262. Broadcast violations involving political and personal attacks were recorded. This is not merely a statistic; it is a stark warning that demands immediate and comprehensive action.
We therefore stand resolutely by the resolutions adopted at the forum:
I.The requirement for guests on political programs to sign an undertaking is both reasonable and essential.
ii.A ban on live political programming is a proactive step to curb the spread of inflammatory and reactionary content.
iii.The directive for program hosts to avoid leading questions will promote a more responsible and respectful broadcast environment.
Kano State must no longer serve as a safe haven for those who exploit its hospitality to sow discord and division. We urge all stakeholders journalists, political figures, and the general public to embrace these resolutions in the spirit of shared responsibility, peace, and mutual respect.
Let us not wait for irreversible damage before we act. Now is the time to safeguard the ethical, cultural, and moral fabric of Kano State.
Tijjani Sarki
Public Policy Advocate and Analyst/
Human Right watch Foundation ,Nigeria
Writing from Kano
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