October 16, (THEWILL) – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has condemned the Zamfara State Government, for ordering the shutdown of some broadcast stations including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gusau, and some other broadcast stations in the State.
THEWILL reported that the Zamfara State Government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, had directed Security operatives to effect shut down of some media organisations including NTA, Pride Fm, Gamji TV, Gamji FM and Al umma TV In the state for allegedly violating government order and journalism practice.
Dosara said the closure of the stations was approved by the State Security Council.
But the NBC in a statement signed by its Director-General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, described the order of the Zamfara State Government as illegal.
It urged the security agencies to ignore the call to restrict staff of the affected stations from conducting their legitimate duties.
The statement read: “The National Broadcasting Commission has noted with serious concern the illegal action of Zamfara State Government by directing the shutdown of operations of licencees of the Commission in the State, on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
“The NBC has clearly notified the State Government of the gravity of the illegality and requested it to expeditiously reverse the directive and apologise 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 emphasise 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 complaint(s) arising from unprofessional conduct or action by ANY licenced 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 licence 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”
