It is with grave concern and deep disappointment that we feel obliged to respond to the recent statement credited to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, entitled “Kano State Government Cannot Usurp NBC’s Role or Gag Free Speech.” While the title may project the image of a principled and objective stand, however the content reveals a shocking lack of due diligence, restraint, and national responsibility expected from the leader of the Nigeria’s foremost legal association
For the NBA President to issue such a sweeping condemnation against the Kano State Government without verified facts, direct engagement, or even a formal inquiry is not only premature but shamefully unprofessional. We are therefore compelled to ask: Has the NBA reached out to the Kano State Government for clarification? Did the NBA receive any official complaint from its Kano branch or media stakeholders within the state? Or is this simply a desperate attempt to strike a public outrage, create unnecessary tension, or project NBA as a concerned stakeholder
It is a well-established fact that the purported “ban” on live political programming was not a directive from the Kano State Government, but a resolution made by the Media Executives' Forum during its quarterly meeting that was attended by stakeholders who understand the Kano media landscape and local sensitivities. The aim was to curb rising recklessness, disrespectful, insensitive, and inflammatory commentary that could incite unrest, but not to suppress free speech.
It is, therefore, deeply disturbing for the NBA President to portray the situation as an assault on constitutional freedom, particularly without making any effort to verify the facts.
For someone of his stature, issuing such sensational and unfounded statements is not only misleading, damaging on the integrity of this high esteemed body, but also dangerously reckless.
Statements like these risk inflaming public sentiment, undermining trust in institutions, and provoking unnecessary unrest in an otherwise peaceful state. The NBA' s president hasty statements on the suspension of live political broadcast in Kano’ is unwarranted, shameful, and potentially destabilizing.
More troubling, however, is the NBA’s deafening silence on truly urgent national crises. Where was the NBA when scores of innocent Kano citizens lives were massacred at Oromi in Edo State? Did NBA issue even a sympathy message to the family, Kano people or the Government of Kano over the unfortunate incident?
Where was NBA when ethnic killings ravaged Plateau State, and what did NBA do to hold those responsible accountable?
Why has the NBA remained mute on the rise of kidnappings and killings that have crippled Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, leading to the death of innocent souls, displacement and economic collapse
What is the NBA’s position on the constitutional chaos and robbery of democratic rights of over four million Rivers State people, whose mandates were snatched under the gun to State of Emergency? And how about the disturbing actions in the National Assembly where critical decisions are being made without broad consultation?
Is the NBA president selective in choosing which issues to address ignoring national emergencies while rushing to comment on unverified state-level development? Such a skewed and reactionary approach raises questions about the motives behind this approach. Is this an attempt to politicize the NBA or to undermine Kano State for some other hidden agendas?
It is both ironic and unfortunate that the NBA, which should be a moral compass and a guardian of justice, has instead chosen the path of propaganda and half-truths. The NBA president must resist the urge to play to the gallery or risk reducing the association’s credibility to mere political noise.
We call on the NBA Executive Council, through its Ethics and Privileges Committee, to urgently investigate and address this unprofessional and inflammatory behaviour. If no disciplinary action is taken within 72 hours, we may be forced to conclude that the NBA, under its current leadership, is complicit in attempts to destabilize Kano State. We will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation of character and for inciting unnecessary tension in our dear state.
Signed:
Tijjani Sarki,
Secretary General,
Eye on Kano Initiative
