Headlines
CITAD rejects regulation of online TV, radio stations
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has criticized plans by the federal government to regulate web-based television and radio stations.
This was revealed by the Senior Program Officer of the center Isah Garba, who addressed a news conference on Monday in Kano.
Mr Garba said the attempt to regulate online news media is undemocratic.
Kano Focus recalls that Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, had called for the regulation of social media activities including blogging and the operation of online television and radio stations in the country.
Mr Mohammed had said that allowing the social media space to remain unregulated could lead to anarchy because of its tendency to promote hate speech.
Similarly, the federal government had in November directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately come up with regulations for the broadcast of content on the internet and the web to ensure that those who provide broadcast services online do so with responsibility.
It also instructed the commission to introduce fresh regulations that will promote the local broadcast industry and protect it from monopolistic tendencies and also ensure that all anti-competitive behaviors are deterred and sanctioned where they occur.
Mr Mohammed, who gave the directive on November 25th when he received the report of NBC Reform Implementation Committee in Abuja, said he would immediately commence the process of forwarding an Executive Bill for consideration of the Federal Executive Council and further legislative action.
However CITAD said regulating the social media and other online activities would not be a solution to hate speech, noting that fighting hate speech requires a multi stakeholder approach
“We have read the dictatorial directive of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed to National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on the regulation of web-based broadcast medium such as radio and television.
“The directive to regulate mediums is undemocratic and we are therefore opposed to it. Contrary to Minister’s claim of creating jobs, his directive is rather going to be an obstacle to job creation and local content production,” Mr Garba said.
He added that online radio and televisions stations across the country’s cyberspace are innovative in their operations and provide means of living to numerous Nigerians apart from providing relevant and interesting content even in native languages.
He explained that Nigeria’s online population is growing on a daily basis thereby encouraging innovation in online broadcasting and boosting creativity to serve the Nigerian public well.
“Instead of bringing regulation to limit and put obstacles to operators, the Information Ministry and NBC should rather be supportive of peace and national unity promoting content.
“Our monitoring and countering of hate speech has consistently shown ethnic tension and lack of tolerance in some Nigerians as ethnic-based hate speech has been topping our monthly observatory,” the group said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
