Augustine Avwode
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Monday directed all broadcasting stations in the country to immediately deactivate their accounts with Twitter in what seems to be no let up in the face-off between the Federal Government of Nigeria and microblogging site, Twitter.
It also warned them to desist from using twitter as a source of information gathering for news and programmes.
In a statement by the Acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, the NBC said the new directive was in line Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act.
The statement, while directing strict compliance with the new move, noted it would be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information.
“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 (sic) 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)”, the statement said.
