The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has ordered broadcasting stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.
Acting director-general of the NBC, Armstrong Idachaba gave the directive in a statement on Monday and comes three days after the Nigerian government suspended Twitter operations in the country.
The Commission directed all broadcast stations to de-install their Twitter handles and desist from using them as a source of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in.
The order according to Mr Idachaba is in line with Section 2(1) of the NBC Act, which according to him, entrusts the Commission with responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations.
“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,” Mr Idachaba said in the statement.
“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 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 NBC boss stated that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of information and therefore called for strict compliance.
By Abel Ejikeme
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