The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo has accused parties in opposition of masterminding the vandalization attack on Radio Kogi, Ochaja.
Fanwo made the accusation during a sensitisation program organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to educate broadcast stations in the state about their roles in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in the November 11th governorship election in the state.
The Commissioner urged the Police and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The people need to understand that broadcast corporations are partners of the Government in public enlightenment and sensitisation.”
“It is senseless and a clear case of politics taken too far for political actors to vandalize a broadcast station. We call on the Police to ensure that those responsible for this outrageous act are brought to justice,” he said.
Fanwo further reassured the NBC of the state’s commitment to supporting the Commission in ensuring that broadcast stations adhere to the regulations aimed at ensuring a credible poll in the state.
He urged broadcast stations to remain dedicated to providing their platforms for all political parties and candidates, thereby creating a level playing field for everyone involved.
He stated, “this enlightenment is timely, as Kogi is preparing to elect its next Governor. There is no better time than now for stakeholders to remind broadcast stations of their responsibility to the people.”
“A few days ago, I listened to stories about candidates from opposition parties on the state-owned Confluence Radio. I was satisfied because it is the station for the people of Kogi State, regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.”
“We cannot have a free, fair, and credible election until all stakeholders come together to agree on standards and fairness. We have set the template in Kogi State, and others can follow suit.”
“On behalf of the Kogi State Government, I assure everyone that the State Government is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible poll come November 11, 2023.”
The Commissioner commended NBC for its role in raising concerns when necessary, stating that “the broadcast industry must play a crucial role in enlightening the people.”
During the event, the Director General of NBC, Mal. Balarabe Shehu Ilela, represented by the Director of Broadcast Monitoring at NBC, Mrs Francesca Aiyetan, stated that the Commission is always prepared to ensure that broadcast stations operate according to the rules in the best interest of Nigeria.
She emphasized that ethnic and religious profiling is unacceptable, and the Commission will always stand up to defend the ethics of broadcasting.
The Zonal Director of NBC, Pauline Ehusani, also highlighted the Commission’s responsibility to act as a gatekeeper in order to maintain professionalism in the industry.
The sensitization program was attended by the Commissioner of Police in the State, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, the leadership of the NUJ, and other stakeholders.
