An independent radio station, Radio Now, has expressed dismay over a directive issued by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), urging broadcast media to suspend the use of Twitter with immediate effect.
Managing Director Radio Now 95.3FM Lagos,Kadaria Ahmed, said in a statement made available to Newsdiaryonline Monday that move was tantamount to an attack on the media as well as freedom of speech.
The statement reads: “We note with dismay a statement by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), dated June 6, 2021, asking that:
“All broadcasting stations in Nigeria suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately; Uninstall Twitter handles (and); Desist from using Twitter as a source of information gathering
“The commission further warned that ‘it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter.’
“We believe this amounts to an attack on the media and freedom of speech both of which are guaranteed
by the Constitution of Nigeria. Section 39(1) guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental right.
“Section 22 of Nigeria’s constitution guarantees press freedom by stating that the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all time be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to
the people.
“We believe the notice by NBC goes against these laws. Radio Now will, under duress, comply with the
directive of the commission while consulting with our lawyers on the legality of this directive. The advice
we receive will determine our next steps.”
Ahmed said, “It is important to state that we too are dismayed at the direction our beloved nation is headed but while we recognise the responsibility of the government to act where it sees a threat to the country, we believe such decisions must consider the implication for press freedom, our fragile democracy & the impact on livelihoods. Solutions that continue to give Nigerians the use of what has become a tool for freedom, that has democratised information particularly for minorities and the most vulnerable in society; while also fighting against hate speech are surely the way forward.
“Radio Now is not convinced a ban on Twitter, and a directive by NBC, barring broadcasting stations from
using the platform is the right way. We urge the government to go back and engage with experts many of whom abound in the country on how to fight hate speech, misinformation and disinformation while respecting and upholding rights that are fundamental in a democracy.
