Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has strongly condemned the Kano State Government’s ban on live political programmes aired by radio and television stations, describing it as an unconstitutional overreach that threatens free speech and democratic expression.

In a statement issued on Friday, Osigwe declared that the state government lacks the authority to regulate broadcast content, a role exclusively reserved for the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The Kano State Government’s directive, purportedly aimed at curbing “inflammatory, divisive, and defamatory content,” has been met with sharp criticism from the NBA. Osigwe emphasized that the move violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to receive and impart information without interference.

“This unilateral action by the Kano State Government amounts to a gross violation of constitutional freedoms and sets a dangerous precedent for political discourse, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.

Osigwe clarified that the NBC, established under the NBC Act, is the sole body empowered to regulate broadcast content in Nigeria. The NBC Code provides a robust framework for addressing inappropriate content, and any breaches should be handled by the Commission, not state governments.

“The Kano State Government cannot usurp NBC’s role or gag free speech,” he asserted, warning that the ban undermines media independence and public access to information in a democratic society.

The NBA President called for the immediate reversal of the directive and urged the NBC to reassert its regulatory authority to prevent further encroachments by state governments.

“Nigeria cannot afford to slide into an era where critical voices are silenced, and lawful expression is criminalized,” Osigwe said, reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to defending the rule of law and constitutional freedoms.

______________________________________________________________________ “Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In NigeriaA timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Artificial Intelligence for Lawyers: A Comprehensive Guide”, authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626