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NBC threatens to sanction Radio, TV stations using Twitter

National Broadcasting Commission, NBC has directed all broadcast stations in the country to suspend the usage of Twitter with immediate effect.

The acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, issued the directive in a statement on Monday titled: “Suspend Twitter handles.”

NBC said the decision followed the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria.

The Commission directed the broadcast stations to “de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes presentation especially phone-in.”

Idachaba said; “Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all Broadcasting Stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.

“In Compliance to the above directive, Broadcasting Stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes Presentation especially phone-in.

“Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act entrusts the Commission with responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations. Also, Section 3.11.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that “the broadcaster shall ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a matter depicting that law and order are socially superior to or more desirable than crime and anarchy.

“Attention is also drawn to section 5.6.3 of The Code which requires Broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of a user generated content (UGC).

“Note that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information therefore strict compliance is enjoined.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State has issued a three-month ultimatum to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and Senator Magnus Abe to resolve their differences or face sanctions.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, by the leader of the APC Chapter, Ibiso Nwuche after an extra-ordinary meeting of the party held in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

Nwuche said the ultimatum was due to the failure of the APC leadership in the state to resolve the crisis rocking the party.

Having not had any benefit from the party due to failed leadership from the state and the grassroots levels in Ahoada East, we resolved and gave them (Amaechi and Abe), till July this year to reconcile themselves at the top and move the party forward before we take next action,” Nwuche said.

A statement by Amaechi directing the riverine part of the state to prepare and produce the APC governorship candidate to take over power in 2023 was his personal opinion, the APC leader also explained.

He urged the minister to allow internal democracy thrive as only delegates of the party can decide who will fly the party’s flag.