The Imo state chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists has joined the league of Nigerians, who have out rightly condemned the indefinite closure of Ozisa Fm radio station for purportedly exposing the hidden details about the alleged killing of 14 youths at Awo Omamma by Ebubeagu, a government owned security outfit.
The union in a release dated July 25, 2022 signed by Comrades Precious Nwadike and Austin Okoro Chairman and Secretary of the Caretaker committee,respectively, with the caption, “ SHUTTING DOWN OF OZISA FM FOR REPORTING THE EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING OF 14 YOUTHS, ANOTHER ATTACK ON FREE PRESS .”expressed disappointment that the Governor does not seem to be bothered that 14 youths who ought to have been arrested, interrogated and imprisoned if necessary, for whatever infractions they committed were murdered in cold blood without prosecution and conviction.
The union also cautioned the National Broadcasting Corporation NBC to avoid denting its image by allowing the corporation to be used as a tool for vendetta by desperate politicians who have skeletons in their cupboards or scores to settle.
The release reads in part, “The Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been alerted of the shutting down of Ozisa FM, a radio station owned by Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.
“As a union, we are only aware that Ozisa FM as part of it’s constitutional responsibility as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution reported the gruesome murder of 14 youths on their way back from a traditional wedding ceremony.
“The Union expects the Imo State Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to offer explanation and bring clarity to why unarmed youths were killed, even when it was possible for the operatives to have arrested them alive.
“We call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) not to politicize its duties or allow itself to play into the hands of politicians.
“Since the creation of Imo state, we have not had a worse case of unrest and political intolerance than it is presently experienced under Governor Hope Uzodinma. We can’t all pretend to be unaware of this glaring and terrifying fact.
“Ironically, the suspension of Ozisa FM is coming at a time when every well meaning Nigerian and organization is condemning the genocide that took place at Awo-Omamma. One also had expected the federal government to, without delay, set up a judicial panel of inquiry to unravel what transpired as against the lies being peddled by state actors and interested parties.
“As a Union, we shall not keep quiet and allow politicians to destroy what is left of the fragile democratic history of our dear country.
“It is our well considered opinion that killing unarmed persons by security or quasi-security personnel smacks of gross unprofessionalism and the seeming silence of the agencies that should enforce the laws of the land, is further devaluation of human life.
“This alarming situation calls for concern and the collective demand for necessary action by all well meaning citizens, patriots and statesmen.
A stitch in time saves nine!”.
