The NBA Slams Kano State Governor Over Broadcast Ban on Political Programs
NBA Stands Firm Against Attempted Authority Grab by Governor Yusuf, Defending Free Speech Rights
According to our source, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has taken a swipe at Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for banning live political broadcasts on radio and television stations.
The NBA strongly believes that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the power to regulate and censor broadcast content, not the state government, as per the Governor's directive.
In a bold statement issued early on Friday, NBA's Osigwehinted at Governor Yusuf's overreach in trying to muzzle free speech and usurp NBC's jurisdiction.
He argued that the Governor should have reported any perceived infractions to the NBC for them to exercise their constitutional responsibility.
The NBA has condemned the Kano State Government's censorship move, expressing concern that it threatens the very essence of democratic expression,transparency, and accountability. They have urged Governor Yusuf to rescind his decision and allow the NBC to enforce broadcast regulations.
In their statement, the NBA emphasized that this unilateral action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines media independence, public access to information, and the free exchange of ideas in a democratic society.
They further implored the National Broadcasting Commission to reinforce their regulatory authority to deter future encroachments by state governments.
The NBA's stance affirms their unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and constitutional freedoms, reminding us that such rights are non-negotiable for a thriving democracy.
For more Reading
- Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution: This constitutional section safeguards every Nigerian's right to freedom of expression, enabling the reception and dissemination of ideas and information without interference.
- National Broadcasting Commission (NBC): The NBC, established by the NBC Act, serves as the primary regulatory body for broadcasting in Nigeria. It ensures broadcast content adheres to national standards and constitutional provisions.
- Kano State Government: State governments, contrary to popular belief, lack the legal authority to control or censor broadcast content. Any such actions would be deemed as an affront to the constitutional right to freedom of expression and a challenge to the NBC's regulatory powers.
- The NBA's Mission: The Nigerian Bar Association's position revolves around protecting freedom of expression and strengthening the NBC as the sole broadcast content regulator in Nigeria.
- The NBA's concern over the Kano State Governor's broadcast ban extends beyond Nigeria, as it aligns with global policies and legislations focused on war-and-conflicts, protecting democratic expression, and upholding the rule of law.
- Shining a light on the sports world, the NBA's unfaltering commitment to general news and public interest issues, such as their stance against censorship in Nigeria, mirrors the ethical responsibilities sports organizations hold in addressing crime-and-justice and social issues.
- Interestingly, the NBA's fight for free speech could potentially influence future discussions around sports-betting regulations, as more transparency and accountability in government could lead to better governance in this industry as well.
- The Nigeria Bar Association's (NBA) spokesperson, Olumide Akpata, revealed during a press conference that they are considering legal action against Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, should he fail to rescind his broadcast ban decision, further demonstrating the association's strong political stance.
- Despite the ongoing dispute between the Kano State Government and the NBA, some leaders in the Naija (Nigeria) sports scene have expressed support for the association's stance on free speech and democratic values, echoing the NBA's call for media independence and transparent governance.
