The Nigerian Non Governmental Organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari over the suspension of radio and television stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The NBC had last Friday revoked the licences of 52 broadcast stations in the country, including AIT/Ray Power FM, and Silverbird TV over accumulated debts to the Commission.
Although, the NBC has suspended the revocation order following the reactions that trailed that decision, but SERAP has in a statement issued on Sunday demanded that the Commission should withdraw the revocation order on debtor stations.
SERAP in a letter dated August 20 and signed by its deputy director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, called for the withdrawal of the revocation order.
According to SERAP, revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts.
“It would also violate Nigerians’ right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 24 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” local media reports on Monday quoted SERAP as saying.
The reports also stated that SERAP has given Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria 24 hours to withdraw its threat to shut down the broadcast stations.
GIK/APA