The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State chapter and the Catholic Media Practitioners, have reacted to the closure of Ozisa FM, a local radio station in Owerri, Imo State capital.
The NUJ in a statement signed by a factional Chairman and Secretary, Chris Akaraonye and Juliet Dim, said “after a careful and studied review of the presentations by the Imo State Government, Ozisa Fm management and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Imo NUJ views the suspension of Ozisa Fm purely as an exercise of the powers of the regulatory functions of NBC.
“Also the Imo State government should be absolved of any blame concerning the closure of the radio house.
“On the other hand, in as much as the NUJ will not deliberately fold its arms and watch injustice meted to any media house, journalists or any citizen, It uses this medium to advise employers of journalists to be mindful of the quality of journalists they employ and also the management of the media houses should always endeavor to adhere to the rules governing their operations.
“Meanwhile, the NUJ at both the National and State levels are working assiduously to ensure that Ozisa Fm goes back to business” part of the statement stated.
The Union also disassociated itself from a purported press release issued by one Precious Nwadike and Austin Okoro, who claimed be Chairman and Secretary of the NUJ in Imo State.
The Union described the press release as an embarrassment to NUJ “because there is credible NUJ executive in Imo State that has the mandate to speak and act for NUJ in all matters”
In a related development, the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria – CAMPAN, Ahiara Mbaise Diocese also condemned the suspension of the Ozisa Radio station, Owerri by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission – NBC.
In a release issued in Owerri the President of the Association, Ben Osuagwu, described the suspension of the media outfit as the height of high handedness by the NBC.
The Association’s President called on the NBC to observe the rules and regulations establishing media houses all over the world and put a stop to the primitive method it has been using.
Osuagwu also wondered why the residents of some of the Staff of the Station should be invaded, adding that the action of the NBC tilts towards muscling the media and intimidating the practitioners.
Osuagwu advised those in authority in this 21st century to realize that the era of insensitivity to the feelings and what the people need is over as the masses deserve to know the truth and not harassment by them.
CAMPAN urged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to reopen the Ozisa Radio station in the interest of its listener and the larger Society. .
The Association President Osuagwu observed that it is only in Imo State that media houses are being harassed pointing out that such does not augur well to the image of the State and its people.
He appealed to those concerned in this nefarious actions to put a stop to it and seek other means of handling the media and its practitioners.
