Sunusi Musa SAN wrote:
The most absurd and laughable news today is the purported ban on live political programs in all radio stations by Kano State Government. I remember visiting Governor Bafarawa sometime in 2012 or thereabouts. One of Governor Bafawa’s servants came on to inform him of Barr Ibrahim Waya’s arrival. That was the only time I met the present Hon. Commissioner of Information.
As a lawyer, I am sure the Hon. Commissioner has basic knowledge of our Constitution, which he swore to uphold. Perhaps the Hon. Commissioner did not consider the provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution and item 60 of the Exclusive Legislative List as contained in Second Schedule, Part I of the same Constitution before advising His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir, to sanction the ban on live political programs.
If he has considered the provisions, the Hon Commissioner will have no difficulty realizing that regulating the activities of radio stations in Kano State is within the exclusive preserve of the Government of the Federation, not that of Kano State.
The ban, therefore, with all respect to my learned friend, the Hon Commissioner, ultra vires the extent of the constitutional powers of the Kano State Government. If the Government has any problem with such live programs, it should approach the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)with a proposal for the ban. If NBC sees reason in the proposal, it may oblige the request of the State Government.
