Headlines
Hate speech: NBC right to increase fine but N5M too much – Pate
Nasiru Yusuf
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is right to increase hate speech fine but N5 million is too much, says communications scholar Umaru Pate.
Kano Focus recalls that the NBC has increased the fine for broadcasting hate speech from N0.5million to N5million.
Mr. Pate, a professor of media studies says communications scholars and other stakeholders advised the NBC to jerk up the fine as the previous N500,000 was not enough of a deterrent.
He revealed this on Thursday while featuring in an ARTV Kano talk show “Kwaryar Kira”.
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“Some media organizations use to charge their clients additional fees in anticipation of the NBC’s N500,000 fine.
“That’s why we advised the NBC to increase the charges but I believe N5million is exorbitant.” He said.
Mr Pate advised federal government to consult relevant stakeholders in broadcast industry for a more reasonable fine.
The professor of media studies at Bayero University Kano (BUK) described hate speeches promoted by media as the major cause of Nigeria’s civil war.
The academic lamented how some broadcast stations in Nigeria were used to spread hate messages ahead of 2015 general election.
He said it is wrong to profile a whole ethnic group or followers of a religion due to the wrongdoing of few individuals.
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In her submission, the national president of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) Sa’a Ibrahim said the NBC did not consult heads of radio and television stations before taking the decision.
Ms Ibrahim who doubles as Director General ARTV Kano faulted NBC’s method of sanctioning media organizations.
She said it is against the principle of justice for NBC to be the arbiter in its own case.
She appealed to NBC to consult all stakeholders in broadcast industry especially heads of radio and television stations before taking any serious decision.
The BON president also advised the commission to adopt a regulation strategy that provides several layers of treating alleged breaches before issuing a sanction.
Also speaking, the General Manager Vision FM Kano Adamu Ladan advocated for a special grant to media houses as done in developed countries.
Kano Focus recalled that the NBC has launched the controversial amended code in Lagos on August 4 despite opposition by stakeholders in the industry.
One of the amendments to the code is the increase of hate speech fine from N500,000 to N5 million and the provision for sub-licensing of all broadcast contents among others.
However, in what appeared to be in-house conflict Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, chairman of the NBC accused the minister of information and culture of amending the broadcasting code “unilaterally”.
Mr Bilbis told a press conference in Abuja on August 13 that he received over 50 position papers for the 6th amendment of the code but none of the input was considered.
Headlines
UNICEF applauds Kano State for enacting Child Protection Law, calls for effective implementation
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has commended the Government and citizens of Kano State for the recent enactment of the Child Protection Law, signed into law by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commendation was contained in a statement issued by Samuel Kaalu UNICEF spokesperson in Kano.
The statement quoted Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, saying “The Kano State Child Protection Law is a remarkable achievement that benefits the children and people of Kano. It establishes a legal framework to ensure the protection of children’s rights within the state.
“Now that the law has been established, it is crucial to allocate the necessary resources and establish mechanisms for its effective implementation. We urge the new administration in Kano State to take this vital step and provide adequate resources to ensure the comprehensive enforcement of the law.
Mr. Farah added that with the enactment of this law, Kano State joins other states that have successfully incorporated the Nigeria Child Rights Act, originally enacted by the National Assembly in 2003, into their legal frameworks.
He said “It is important to note that this Act is derived from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), of which Nigeria is a signatory. Extensive consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including faith-based and community leaders, during the development of the bill.
“This collaborative effort ensured that the law reflects the values and aspirations of the people of Kano.”
About UNICEF
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Aminu Abdullahi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has implored the victims of the recent demolition exercise embarked upon by the Kano State government to seek legal redress while describing the action of the new NNPP administration as barbaric and unacceptable.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Ag. State Chairman of the opposition party, Shehu Maiagari made the condemnation while Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.
The politician condemned the spate of demolition of business interests and property across the state by the Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“The action of the state government has brought unnecessary chaos, rampant vandalism, daylight robbery and grabbing of property belonging to innocent members of the Kano society” he lamented.
The opposition party insisted that the demolition has destroyed the means of livelihood of the people of the state while lamenting that it has equally tarnished the reputation of the state as a safe commercial centre for secured business investment.
The APC appealed to security agencies in the state to step up action and restore the people’s confidence in light of the shock they had experienced while imploring parents and guardians to caution their children against being used as agents of destruction by the state government.
“We assure the good people of the state of our prayers and support in this trying period; we also implore those affected directly or indirectly, to seek redress in the court of law,” they stated.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of Alhaji Habu Muhammad Fagge as Executive Chairman, Kano State Pension Board Trustee.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment takes effect immediately as the governor directed for handing over and taking over within 24 hours.
A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said Alhaji Habu Fagge, a holder of Bsc Finance from Abraham Lincoln University, served two terms as Executive Chairman of Kano Internal Revenue Services.
The statement added that the new appointee had served Kano State as director finance, director planning, research and statistics and director other taxes.
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