The Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) has called on the

National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to restore the operational

licenses of African Independent Television (AIT)/Ray Power FM station

which it withdrew Thursday.

OPAN in a statement on Friday by its President, Austyn Ogannah, said

the NBC decision was wrong, draconian and capable of leading the

country towards autocratic rule.

According to OPAN, “The freedom of the press under a democratic rule

is sacrosanct. The NBC’s suspension of the operational licenses of

AIT/Ray Power is unrealistic, unjustifiable, draconian and did not

follow due process.

“The NBC needs to exercise its powers with restraint and shield itself

from political interference/control in the performance of its

regulatory functions. It is important that the regulator remains

completely independent otherwise it will not be able to satisfactorily

carry out its mandate.

“The closure of the broadcasting outfits is a serious blow to the

freedom of expression and citizen’s right to information. We therefore

condemn the closure of AIT/Ray Power and demand the restoration of

their operational licenses without further delay.”

Update news