The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday described the revocation of the operating licences of 52 broadcast media organisations in the country by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as ill-timed and reckless.
The NUJ in a statement by its President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo also described the NBC decision as hasty, stressing that a wholesale revocation of licences at this critical time of insecurity in the Country appeared to be a decision taken without careful prior deliberation, consultation or counsel.
The NBC revoked the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over what it said was as a result of indebtedness of N2.6 billion to the Commission since 2015.
Key amongst the broadcast stations whose licences were revoked, include the African Independent Television (AIT), Ray-Power Fm, Silver Bird Television, was ill advised.
The NUJ noted that even though the Director General of the NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah claimed that the development had no political motives, it however insisted that Commission’s action was ill timed and reckless.
While expressing regret over the inability of the broadcast stations to fulfill their obligations to NBC, particularly against the backdrop of excruciating and dwindling resources, the NUJ caution against such large scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequences.
It further said; “We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such media blackout at this time.
“We call on NBC to exercise more restraint on this issue in consideration of national security and allow for more dialogue and consultation to find a better way of dealing with the situation,” NUJ said.
