Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the indefinite shut down of Daar Communication Plc, promoter of AIT, Ray Power FM by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The NBC Director-General, Dr Modibbo Kawu, had on Thursday in press briefing, Abuja, announced that the Daar Communication Limited’s media houses’ were shutdown until further notice.
The offences listed by the NBC included the airing of a Presidential election documentary by the AIT, a matter pending before a tribunal, the inability of the company to pay its fees, the use of “divisive and inciting contents from the Social Media” among others.
In a statement, Atiku noted: “I am a lifelong democrat and throughout my political life, I have championed the principles of Separation of Powers. The Legislature has been challenged. The Judiciary has been tackled” he said.
“If at this time, we stand by as the Press loses its independence, there will be little to differentiate us from a dictatorship. This should not happen.”