Bomba Dauda
Recently, the regulatory framework of the broadcasting sub-sector (television and radio) in Nigeria otherwise known as the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has moved to over-regulate the sub-sector by introducing new rules that tend to gag the broadcasting sub-sector and stifle access to information.
One of the new rules, “The NBC warned them to desist from revealing “details” of the victims of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers in their reports.”
Responding to the new rule, member representing Chikun-Kajuru at House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Umar Barde has kicked against it.
In a press statement he issued to Gurara Accord, Saturday, in Kaduna, he said: “I am constrain by the news on credible media outlets to make this statement in regard to a strange directive from the National Broadcasting Commission to television and radio stations in Nigeria not to divulge “details” of the activities of bandits, terrorist and Kidnappers in their reports.
“As the Representative whose constituency (Chikun/Kajuru) is most hit by the activities of these bandits, terrorist and Kidnappers, it is pertinent that I lend my voice to this crafty move by NBC to gag media houses from telling the stories of my people.
“My constituency have benefitted from the role played by the media to let the world know that my constituents have been killed, maimed, kidnapped, raped and have their villages occupied by these terrorist.
“In the last few weeks, I have engaged the Media by granting interviews, raising motion on the floor of the house and sharing alarming data of the atrocities being perpetrated in my constituency by these terrorists.
“As I write this piece, 121 students of the Bethel Baptist High School,the 14members of the family of the Emir of Kajuru and 16 member of Ungwan Gimbiya in Sabon Tasha and many others are still in captivity. Kidnappings have continued unabated.Just yesterday, two young men were killed by bandits in Kagurdna Village, Kakau Ward in Chikun Local Government.
“Who would have told the world our stories or which platform would I have use to let the world know the predicaments of my people?
“As an elected representative, I have used the Media/Press to give suggestions on possible solutions to this menace by advocating the use of technology and also seeking for foreign assistances for our security
agencies.
“I want to categorically state that I stand in solidarity with all press men and media houses and want to indulge them to keep telling the stories of atrocities being committed by terrorists across the country while being professional in carrying out their duties.”
