By Juliet Nwite
Many Nigerians have slammed the federal government agency, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), for shutting down the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power radio station.
The NBC, had on Thursday, June 6, shutdown AIT and Ray Power until further notice for alleged inability to pay its licence fee of N500 million and other abuse of broadcasting codes.
But observers believe that the reason was because of the storm its weekdays programme “KAKAAKI SOCIAL” was creating against the government.
Kakaaki socials is a week-day programme that talks about the major issues facing the country on social media. It is estimated to be viewed by up to 16 million people.
Activist against police brutality, Segun Awosanya, said the action of the NBC could not stand.
“The suppression of free press remains a chronic element in the series of aberrations under this administration. The demonstration of impunity by the unconscionable partisan hireling at NBC is a condemnable tell-tale of deeper woes to come. #AITunderSiege #NextLevelWoes,” he said via his twitter handle, @segalink.
Former senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray Bruce, said it is an affront against the freedom of the press.
“I stand for #PressFreedom. If the press isn’t free, it means Government therefore possesses more power over her citizens than it needs to have. #AITUnderSiege”, he said via his twitter handle, @benmurraybruce.
Other Nigerians also expressed their disappontment on the federal government for shutting AIT.
@Miriamshehu said: “Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the principle that communication and expression through various media. Nigerians expressing themselves through @KakaakiSocial should be considered a right to be exercised freely. #AITUnderSiege #NBCAgainstFreePress.”
Another twitter user @kjasuquo said: “There should be #PressFreedom at this age of information #AITUnderSiege is a shame on Nigeria as a country not just the government. Today it might be AIT tomorrow it might be your freedom of speech.”
@ayemojubar said: “Assuming Twitter is owned by a Nigerian ? NBC would have shut it down many times unless they agree to be tamed like NTA and Channels. That’s why they wouldn’t create an enabling #Nigeria for such app to flourish. They prefer low level NPower.”
