Human Rights Groups Urges NBC, To Reopen Oziza FM Station In Imo
Two Human Rights Groups, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) have called on Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to reopen Oziza FM station, Owerri. Imo State within 14 days or fsce civil action.
The groups made the call in a joint Statement sighed by Dede Uzor A, Uzor, Chairman South East Zine Chapter of CD and Executive Director of HURIDE issued in Owerri on Friday.
The group also challenged Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to clear himself of every accusation of complicity in tge shutting down of the radio station by ensuring that the NBC reopens the outfitA without further delay.
Recall that Oziza FM was shutdown by the NBC following their incisive report of the mindless murder of 14 youths who were returning from a marriage ceremony in Awo-Omamma which the regulatory body considered unethical.
The rights groups said that NBC and Gov Uzodimma by their actions were fighting against freedom of press and speech in Imo State.
According to the groups, the actions of the NBC and Uzodimma were primitive and draconian and negate the age-long principles and tenets of democracy which allows freedom of expression.
“We are giving both NBC and the Governor 14 days to reopen Oziza FM station or we mobilise the entire South East citizens to storm Owerri and hold massive protest.
It is very despicable that NBC has reintroduced the abolished decree 4 of 1984 in Imo State,” it stated.
They said Uzodimma lacked the basic credentials of a democrat and not fit for any political leadership position in a sane society.
The rights groups called on people of good will and different International organisations to rise and condemn the undemocratic disposition of NBC and Gov Uzodimma and get them to reopen the Oziza FM.
