Journalists and presenters are also barred from asking “provocative questions” or making gestures deemed likely to prompt controversial responses or tarnish the image of the state
By Titilope Adako
The Kano State Government has banned live political programmes on all television and radio stations in the state and imposed strict new guidelines on journalists and media guests.
The ban was announced on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, following a meeting with media executives.
A statement signed by the Director of Special Duties in the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, confirmed that any guest appearing for interviews must now sign an undertaking to avoid making abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks.
Journalists and presenters are also barred from asking “provocative questions” or making gestures deemed likely to prompt controversial responses or tarnish the image of the state.
Comrade Waiya defended the measures, insisting that the aim is not to muzzle the media or suppress political dissent but to preserve what he called the “sanctity of Kano’s cultural and religious values.”
“Our goal is responsible communication that respects our values. This policy is about protecting our dignity, not about targeting opposition voices,” he stressed.
He insisted that the state had made “remarkable progress” in reducing hate speech and unethical broadcasting practices following earlier collaborations with media leaders.
However, critics have described the move as a clear attempt to tighten control over the media and silence critical voices under the guise of morality and cultural preservation.
A Kano-based journalist who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said, “This is censorship disguised as cultural protection.”
“Banning live political debates and policing journalists’ questions is a dangerous precedent. It shrinks civic space and weakens democracy.”
[09/05, 13:05] Titilope Adako: UK Police Recover Body of Nigerian Teenager Who Drowned in Lake
The body of 16-year-old Nigerian teenager, Valentine Ikechukwu, who drowned while swimming at Colwick Country Park in the United Kingdom on April 30, has been recovered by the Metropolitan Police.
A statement shared by Nottinghamshire Police on Facebook revealed that emergency services were called to the scene around 5:20pm after Valentine got into difficulty in the water.
“A multi-agency rescue operation was launched, involving a police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. He was discovered shortly before 8 pm.”
A thorough search operation followed, leading to the recovery of Valentine’s body around 8pm.
Police Detective Inspector Gail Routledge confirmed that Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.
“Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers following this incident.”
“This was a tragedy where a young boy lost his life. Our thoughts remain with Valentine’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“While work continues to understand how Valentine came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the devastating consequences of entering open water, regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”
Valentine’s family, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“Long live Valentine, forever 16. He was a former Nottingham College student and was well-liked amongst his friends. Words cannot describe what we are going through right now.
“We would kindly request privacy so that we can grieve as a family and try to come to terms with what has happened to our Valentine. He will be forever missed.”
Police have confirmed that Valentine’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
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