The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has reacted to the closure of Daar Communications subsidiaries, AIT and RayPower FM, by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC.
Condemning the closure, NUJ stated that the “action portends grave danger for Free Press and Independent Media.” They also urged NBC to reopen the stations within 24-hours.
A statement signed by the President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo and union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, reads:
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists is alarmed at the closure of AIT by the National Broadcasting Commission and believes that the action portends grave danger for Free Press and Independent Media.
“Independent and Pluralistic Media in a democracy like Nigeria serve to promote democracy by their dissemination of authentic information and ensuring transparency in governance.
“We condemn this closure over allegations of breach of 2004 Broadcasting Code and insist there are better ways of sanctioning media organisations that are found to have erred.
“It will be helpful if the NBC will immediately reopens AIT to ensure that they continue to promote debate and opinions on issues that are of societal, economic and political importance to the nation.
“We expect them to do the needful in 24-hours”.
AIT and RayPower FM were suspended on Thursday by NBC over allegations of breaching Broadcasting Code by airing divisive and offensive content.
