AIT/Raypower Closure: NUJ Gives NBC 24 Hours Ultimatum To Reverse Declaration

The closure of Daar Communications, owners of AIT and RayPower FM by the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC) has been seriously condemned by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

According to the NUJ, the action of the NBC poses “grave danger for Free Press and Independent Media.” while urging them to do the needful and open the stations within 24 hours.

Recall that On Thursday, operations of Daar Communications were suspended by the NBC, over allegations of breaching the Broadcasting Code.

The NUJ through a statement signed by it’s President, Chris Isiguzo and union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, described NBC actions as unacceptable.

The statement read, “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 organizations that are found to have erred.

“It will be helpful if the NBC will immediately reopen 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,” the statement read.