The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has threatened to sanction television and radio stations still using their Twitter platforms.
In a statement issued by the acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, the commission warned that the stations should suspend their Twitter handles in observance of the Federal Government directives.
The Federal Government ordered the indefinite suspension of Twitter operation in the country for its “persistent use for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”
The NBC has noted that some television and radio stations still make use of the medium to source and disseminate information despite the FG’s order.
In the statement dated Monday, June 7, 2021, NBC acting Director-General 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.”
NBC’s warning came days after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, ordered the persecution of anyone found using Twitter in the country.
