Kano Group Faults NBA President Over Comments on Political Broadcast Suspension
The Eye on Kano Initiative has expressed strong disapproval over a recent statement issued by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, regarding the suspension of live political programming in Kano State.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Tijjani Sarki, the group accused the NBA President of spreading misinformation and acting without proper investigation into the matter. Osigwe had earlier criticized the Kano State Government, claiming it had usurped the role of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and gagged free speech.
Describing Osigwe’s comments as “unprofessional, reckless, and potentially destabilizing,” the group questioned whether the NBA had reached out to the state government or local media stakeholders before issuing its condemnation.
The Eye on Kano Initiative clarified that the decision to suspend live political broadcasts was not a government directive, but rather a resolution by the Media Executives’ Forum — a body of industry stakeholders — aimed at curbing rising inflammatory and insensitive commentary that could incite unrest in the state.
“It is disturbing for the NBA President to portray the situation as an assault on constitutional freedom without verifying facts,” the statement read. “Issuing such sensational and unfounded statements not only misleads the public but also risks inflaming public sentiment.”
The group further criticized the NBA’s silence on more pressing national issues such as the massacre of Kano citizens in Oromi, ethnic violence in Plateau, and rising insecurity in several northern states, questioning what it described as a “selective and politicized approach” by the NBA leadership.
The statement called on the NBA Executive Council to investigate Osigwe’s comments through its Ethics and Privileges Committee, warning that failure to act within 72 hours may lead to legal action for defamation and incitement.
The Eye on Kano Initiative urged the NBA to uphold its role as a guardian of justice and refrain from making politically motivated statements that could threaten peace and stability.
