Closure of Zamfara broadcast stations illegal – NBC

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has condemned the Zamfara State Government for ordering the shutdown of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gusau, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)’s Pride FM for allegedly violating government order and journalism practice.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, in Gusau on Saturday, the government said other media organisations sanctioned were Gamji TV, Gamji FM and Al umma TV which are privately operated.

Dosara said the closure of the stations was approved by the State Security Council.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police had been directed to arrest and prosecute personnel of the affected stations caught violating the order.

Reacting, the NBC in a statement signed by its Director-General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, urged the security agencies to ignore the call to restrict staff of the affected stations from conducting their legitimate duties.

The statement was titled, ‘Illegal closure of broadcast stations by the Zamfara state government.’

It reads, “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.

“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 complaint(s) 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”