news
NBC suspension of radio, TV stations’ shutdown order a vindication, wise decision
NBC suspension of radio, TV stations’ shutdown order a vindication, wise decision
Media Justice Nigeria (MJN) is excited that after the hues and cries by it and other stakeholders in the media ecosystem, the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) saw reason not to continue in its punitive action of shutting down 53 indebted radio and TV stations across the country, including popular ones like Raypower 100FM, AIT, Silverbird TV and Rhythm FM and others.
Media Justice Nigeria had argued that the NBC’s decision was neither in the best interest of the broadcast industry nor that of Nigeria and her democracy, particularly coming close to an election period. We also argued that the information blackout the shutdown order would generate was counterproductive in a season of high insecurity as Nigeria is currently experiencing. MJN also stated that the dire economic situation that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has plunged the country has direct effect on the inability of these stations to meet up their financial obligations to the NBC, and that allowing them to harvest advertorials that would certainly acrue from the coming election campaigns was a possible window the NBC should explore and not total shutdown that suggest political undertone.
MJN therefore commends the NBC and diverse stakeholders like the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other well meaning Nigerians that prevailed on the NBC and its Director General, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, to do what is right. However, what MJN finds curious is why the NBC singled out DAAR Communications Ltd (operator of Raypower 100Fm and AIT) and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for commendation in Ilelah’s statement suspending the shutdown order that says: “We specifically thank DAAR Communications Ltd and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for their responses.”
It is on record that these two electronics media organisations are owned by opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, a party opposed to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), Malam Ilelah’s employer. While MJN will not push the seeming political motive inherent in Malam Ilelah’s subtle admission any further, MJN wishes to urge the NBC and other media regulators to provide a level-playing field for all media players across board, whether those sympathetic to the APC or those sympathetic to the opposition parties, and not engage in what might hint of a witch-hunt as political campaign season opens next month.
It bears emphasizing again that media is a necessary handmaiden of a virile democracy. Any action that smacks of inhibiting the constitutional powers of the media to discharge its duties to the electorate effectively and efficiently is a clear negation of democratic ideals and the rights of not only the media but the entire citizenry that the media serves, as the citizens deserve the right to be informed at all times. MJN expects and urges the NBC and other regulators in the media ecosystem to exercise restraint in the discharge of their statutory duties to the media industry and its practitioners. That is the minimum condition that will enable MJN to provide regulators needed encouragement and support in carrying out their functions.
About Media Justice Nigeria
Media Justice Nigeria is a pro-media NGO with the clear mandate of protecting the rights of journalists, media practitioners and media establishments in Nigeria. This includes those in print, electronics and social media. It offers protection for the right of media practitioners (journalists) to freely practise their trade without molestation, violation or undue interference from whatever source, whether governmental or individuals. It provides access to justice for media practitioners whose rights are being violated. It is also the mandate of Media Justice Nigeria to educate the public on the important roles the media play and how the work of journalists helps to shape the democratic process and principles and good governance in Nigeria and across the world.
Signed:
Director
Anote Ajeluorou
It was a salient and momentous occasion as one of God’s generals,the president of PMF, Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria and the founder of Kings In Christ Power Ministries Int.Bishop Chidi Anthony celebrated his birthday yesterday.
The event which was held at white sand,Isherin Osun, Lagos was anchored by Nollywood actor Kingsley Ogbonna aka, Dauda was attended by numerous prominent personalities :DCP Oliver Ezirim,DCP Forensic, Alagbon,CSP Charles,STS Commander Idimu,CSP Agatha Eze ,Dpo ,Idimu, Bishop Tony Anthony Aniekwu, Bishop Kennedy Ogu,HRH EZE C. C Nwokdi Eze Ndi Igbo,ijegun and Ijedodo, bishop Anene Nwachuku,Rhema Deliverance ministry,Hon.Eugene Chinedu Ajuonuma
The event was epochal as guests were given wonderful and awesome treat;the celebrant being a religious leader,the president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum advised the Nigerian government on how to solve the problems confronting the nation “I want the government to create employment opportunities and empowerment programmes in order to engage our youths, nobody will be happy to graduate for years without a Job and no means of livelihood,that is why crime is on the increase almost every young person you see today is into one crime or the other in the quest for survival,if something can be done urgently by the government,will help curtail the insecurity in the country and create a good environment for us to dwell ”
Bishop Chidi Anthony who happens to be a philanthropist also used the avenue to inform Lagosians about his palliative and empowerment programme that will be coming up on the 16th of May “Christianity goes beyond preaching the bible,it also talks about love and care to the people,I want to use this medium to invite the people of Lagos to my palliative and empowerment programme that will be coming up on the 16th of May, during my annual programme”GREATER THAN THE POOL OF BETHSAIDA” i will be giving out food stuffs to Lagosians and there will also be financial empowerments for the indigents and the vulnerables, anywhere you are in the city of Lagos, don’t forget to be at 17, Jubilee close,Taiwo bus stop,Ago palace way, it’s my way of supporting and alleviating the suffering in the nation “.
news
Prophet Ikuru felicitates Tinubu at 73, reassures Nigerians of his ability to fix and transform Nigeria
Politics
Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP
Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP
Sahara Weekly Reports That The desperation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is alarming, to say the least. Despite their decisive loss in the September 21 election, they seem determined to inflict pain and suffering on the good people of Edo. Their strategy? To create chaos and violence across the state, thereby disrupting the peace and progress that the current administration is working hard to establish. With the intention to render the State ungovernable and create room for the declaration of State of emergency in Edo.
The recent gruesome killings of Muslims traveling through the state are a stark manifestation and reminder of the PDP’s wicked and bizzare intentions. What’s even more disturbing, however, is the fact that instead of condemning these heinous acts, some senior PDP officials are trying to downplay the severity of ugly incidents. They’re using these senseless killings to call on the Federal Government to declare a State of emergency in Edo State. Nothing can be more far from the truth that these same people are the perpetrators of these wicked and barbaric acts of criminality in the State. Its so sad that, their desperation has lost regard to sanctity of human life.
Let’s be clear: there’s no justification for these acts of criminality clothed in violence no matter the political leanings of the perpetrators or their victims. Every life is precious, and every killing is a tragedy that diminishes us all. Let it be known that those that orchestrated these acts of wickedness and criminality and those that defend them are guilty of the same offence and shall be so rewarded.
The hard truth is that whatever goes around comes around. The PDP and their failed candidate should let Edo enjoy the peace and progress that Governor Monday Okpebholo is working hard to achieve. They should wait for 2028 to try their luck again, instead of trying to disrupt the state’s progress through violence and chaos.
To the good people of Edo, let’s stand together these political Buccaneers and Vampires that are out to unleash violence against the good people. Violence has never been and will never be our culture.We deserve better, and we will not be swayed by the PDP’s antics. The good people of Edo State are solidly behind their ever performing Governor AKPAKO WONDER.
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