Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) recent actions, warning that they threaten Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement, Obi expressed concern over the timing of the notice, coming ahead of the general elections.
“Yesterday’s advocates of democracy, today’s oppressor of the press,” Obi said, criticising the government’s attempt to regulate media narratives. “A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy.”
Obi emphasised the media’s role as the “conscience of the nation”, adding that attempts to stifle voices or intimidate journalists would weaken democracy. “The media is the conscience of the nation. Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy.”
He urged the government to focus on delivering results, rather than controlling media narratives. “At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen, our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results.”
Obi stressed that Nigeria needs stronger institutions, not stronger control. “Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions,” he said, expressing solidarity with media houses and broadcasters resisting attempts to silence independent voices.
“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government. We cannot continue to endanger our democracy,” Obi however reiterated his call for a “New Nigeria”.
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