Wide condemnation has greeted the suspension of the broadcast license of Daar Communications Limited, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM across the country.

Organisations and individuals in separate statements faulted the decision saying it was draconian.

 

NBC’s action out of tune with democratic principles- NGE

 

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) hereby condemns in very strong terms the indefinite suspension of the licences of the African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray Power by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The two stations belonged to Daar Communications Limited.

 

The Guild demands in clear terms the revocation of the suspension order as it runs contrary to the ideals of free speech and the fine tenets of press freedom. This is a case of Executive highhandedness and it paints our dear country in the darkest tar of dictatorship.

 

The Fourth Estate of the Realm remains the watchdog of society and any attempt to gag it in any guise is an affront on democracy and the people. The NBC must and should rescind this ignoble and despicable decision.

 

The Guild strongly believes the NBC action is a draconian form of regulation, being out of tune with democratic principles.

 

The Guild is concerned about the violation of the constitutional rights of DAAR Communications and absence of media freedom, independence and the stifling of operations of media outfits which are performing their roles as the watchdog of the Nigerian society.

 

READ ALSO: NBC suspends AIT, Raypower FM broadcast indefinitely

The NGE condemns in strong terms the barbaric crackdown on the broadcast outfit and demands the immediate cessation of this atrocious repression and excessive show of power by the NBC, whose duty is to regulate and not kill the media.

 

Muzzling the media and throwing thousands of Nigerians into the already saturated labour market should not be the trophy for good corporate governance of a regulator; it is something to be ashamed of and NBC should be ashamed at its action in a fledgling democracy in the 21st Century.

 

The Guild is strong of the opinion that the NBC, in exercising its regulatory powers, should concentrate on implementing policies that will position Nigeria’s broadcasting to compete in the global spheres, rather than engage in witch-hunting and unnecessary show of excessive force.

 

The Guild hereby expresses its solidarity with the AIT/Raypower family, urging the staff and management to remain calm as the Guild liaises with well-meaning Nigerians and other media professionals to get justice.

 

The NGE appeals to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to use his good offices to call NBC to order.

 

It is to be recalled that NBC had, before the 2019 general election, shut down Joy FM in Jos for violations of the broadcasting code. Last year, the NBC shut down Ekiti Radio/TV station. Shutting down stations and withdrawing licences are too extreme in the circumstance. There must be humane and saner ways to resolve disputes bordering on violation of the Broadcasting Code.

 

 

 

FUNKE Egbemode                                                                 Mary Atolagbe

President                                                                                Secretary

 

 

DAAR communications shut down stands totally condemned- Arogundade

 

First was the declaration of the offense of treasonable felony, which only a court of law can pronounce, in a supposed query.

Next, is shut down of entire operations of DAAR communications including Radio, whereas allegations of breach of code were mainly against AIT’s ‘Kakaki Social Media’ and the TV station in general.

Within 48hrs, the accuser became the prosecutor, moved on to be the judge and finally executor!

Where else does this happen? This is a crude assault on press freedom and media independence as well as the means of livelihood of hundreds of journalists, other media professionals and media workers in DAAR group.

I condemn the shutdown and demand its immediate reversal.

Lanre Arogundade, Director International Press Centre, Lagos

 

It is discretion at the extreme- Adefaye

NBC is NOT a court of Law. NBC shutdown of a mass media group – Daar Communication, operator of AIT/RayPower is unconstitutional, an affront on Free Speech and fascist.

It is discretion at the extreme.

It must NOT stand!

Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Vanguard Newspapers

 

indefinite suspension by NBC is arbitrary -SERAP

The NBC must immediately reverse its arbitrary decision to suspend AIT, Raypower or face legal action. This is censorship. The move is a serious blow to freedom of expression and Nigerians’ right to information about critical developments in the country.

We have carefully reviewed the ‘grounds’ for suspending AIT and Raypower. We maintain that the indefinite suspension by @nbcgovng is arbitrary and blatantly illegal. The ban must be lifted immediately.

Socio-Economic Rights Projects (SERAP)

It stands condemned- Obi

The suspension of the licenses of AIT and Ray Power stand condemned. It is an affront on the freedom of the press, and of speech as enshrined in our constitution. It is a throwback to the years of military dictatorship. –

Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor

 

Kudos to NBC

Nigerians must begin to speak up against those who break our laws. We must insist that enforcement agencies ensure consequences are meted out to those who are accustomed to impunity. That’s the way forward Kudos NBC!

Lauretta  Onochie‏, former Social media aide to President Buhari

 

More reactions coming