The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has faulted the government of Zamfara State for arbitrarily closing four media houses in the state.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the government on Saturday shut down the offices of NTA, Pride FM, Gamji TV and Al’umma TV in the state for covering the political gathering of the PDP governorship candidate, Dauda Lawal.
The decision was announced on the state radio by the state commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara.
But a statement by the director-general of the NBC, Balarabe Illela, demanded the reversal of the decision, saying the commission had already drawn the attention of the government about the illegality of its action.
“The National Broadcasting Commission has noted with serious concern the illegal action of Zamfara State Government by directing the shutdown of operations of licensees of the Commission in the State, on Saturday October 15, 2022,” Mr Illela said in the statement.
“The NBC has clearly notified the State Government of the gravity of the illegality and requested it to expeditiously reverse the directive and apologize to the people of the State.
“We also urge the Security Agencies to ignore the call to restrict Staff of the affected Stations from conducting their legitimate duties.
“The Commission wishes to further emphasize that it will resist ANY attempt to cause a breach of law and order ANYWHERE through the misuse of the broadcast media in Nigeria, before, during and after the 2023 national elections.
“We call on ALL industry stakeholders to resist ANY attempt to truncate the hard-earned democratic gains in Nigeria
“ANY aggrieved Person or Institution with genuine complaints) arising from unprofessional conduct or action by ANY licensed broadcaster in Nigeria is hereby requested to follow the laid down processes enshrined in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“The Commission will not relent to discharge its mandate according to the NBC Act, CAP. NII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. All broadcast license holders are urged to ensure strict compliance and avoid ANY action inimical to democratic governance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
“Kindly extend the warmest high regards and assurances of the Director-General and the Board of management of the NBC, to ALL Nigerians.”
