NUJ urges NBC to reopen AIT and Raypower FM in 24 Hours

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in reaction to the closure of Daar Communications subsidiaries, AIT and RayPower FM, by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC has asked for the immediate reopening of the stations.

NUJ out-rightly condemns the closure which took effect yesterday stating that the “action portends grave danger for Free Press and Independent Media.” They also urged NBC to reopen the stations within 24-hours.

Read the statement signed by the President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo and union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, below:

“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 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”.

NBC on Thursday, suspended the license of Daar Communications’ AIT and Ray Power FM, thereby shutting them down over allegations of breaching Broadcasting Code by airing divisive and offensive content.