 |
| Hon Dati |
PLSG WANTS NBC TO SANCTION DEFAULTING
MEDIA OUTFITS
AUGUST 8, 2018
With hate
speeches and fake news largely blamed for the security challenges in Plateau,
the state government has asked the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to
sanction media outfits engaged in such activities.
Mr Yakubu Datti,
the Commissioner of Information, made the call on Wednesday in Jos, when he
visited the NBC Zonal office. He alleged that the media was being used by
mischievous persons to fuel attacks on Plateau rural communities, saying that
hate speeches spewed through the outfits were also responsible for reprisals
attacks.
Datti
wondered why media outfits were willing to be used to cause disaffection among
Plateau residents, pointing out that such unprofessional conduct had caused
mutual distrust across the groups.
He urged the
NBC to descend on broadcasting stations not ready to comply with approved
regulations and codes, saying that there was no nation where media content was
not monitored by regulatory agencies.
Datti
alleged that recent attacks on Plateau Government House and Governor Simon
Lalong’s convoy when he visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp
were caused by fake news and hate speeches. “People read, hear and circulate these
fake news and hate speeches; the reactions manifest in the attacks on perceived
enemies or opponents. We cannot continue like this,” he said.
In his
response, Dr. Igomu Onoja, the Zonal Director, said that the NBS had stepped up
measures to sanction defaulting organizations. “We have embarked on weekly
checks on media stations to enforce compliance with broadcasting codes.
“Messages likely to incite people or cause negative reactions are prohibited by
the NBC. We have always drawn the attention of station managers to erring items
and have issued several letters of sanctions. “We have also drawn the attention
of some broadcasting stations in Plateau on the need to balance their news to
ensure objectivity,” he said. Onoja said that NBC was ready to collaborate with
the Plateau government and other stakeholders to promote peace and ensure its sustenance
in Plateau. (NAN)
Post a Comment