Just in: NBC’s new broadcasting code under test as Ohaneze replies CNG on suspended Ruga
The first litmus test for the new Nigerian Broadcasting Code unveiled by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Kano on Thursday following the continued broadcast and airing of alleged hate and dangerous speech made by one Abdul Azeez Suleman, on behalf of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG).
Recall that the new broadcasting code as amended has included dangerous speech capable of spiking violent crisis in the country formed part of the new broadcasting code handed down to media houses, but many of the media bodies have continued to air the said CNG remarks in contravention of the new code.
Business Hilights had on Thursday published a breaking news that the “Unveiled 6th Edition Of Broadcasting Code Tightens Lose Ends On Hate Speech, Others,” https://businesshilights.com.ng/just-in-unveiled-6th-edition-of-broadcasting-code-tightens-lose-ends-on-hate-speech-others/
Whereas many Nigerians are now waiting on the relevant agencies including the NBC to act in line with the provisions of the new code, another angle has emerged as Ohaneze Ndigbo, the South East socio-cultural body has replied CNG over the 30-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to rescind its policy decision on implementation of Ruga Settlement scheme.
In a statement signed by the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Barr John Nnia Nwodo, it said in parts; “My attention has been drawn to a broadcast by Abdul Azeez Suleman, speaking for a coalition of Northern Groups in which he had the audacity to give the Federal Government an ultimatum of 30 days to rescind its decision on the suspension of its RUGA settlements policy. Abdul went further to threaten the expulsion of Southerners resident in the North at the expiration of his deadline if the Federal Government does not rescind its suspension decision”.
“This irresponsible, unlawful and provocative outburst reminds me of the quit notice from Northern Youths two years ago.
In his further submission, Chief Nwodo averred that “Ohanaeze insists that the RUGA policy is an Islamization and a Fulanisation policy. It is a violation of our constitution and Supreme court decisions on the Land Use Act. It’s suspension without cancelation leaves the Federal Government still in violation of our laws.
“The threat to evict law abiding Nigerians from their places of abode in Northern Nigeria is treasonable and obviously like the gun trotting herdsmen will go unnoticed by our Federally controlled law enforcement agencies. Let Abdul, the Federal Government and others like them take notice that Ohanaeze has no objections to all Igbos in the North returning home so long as all Northerners in the East leave the East and we dismantle the Federal structure imposed on us by the military and return to Autonomous Federating Units.
“The nepotism exhibited by this Federal Government, her duplicity of standards in law enforcement, her undisguised Fulanisation policy is repugnant to rule of law and good governance. We will no longer tolerate any further threats from these Northern war mongers.
“After all, who should be the aggrieved under the circumstance? The millipede that has been marched is whimpering, but the person that marched it is complaining that his foot has been soiled. The South that is bearing the yoke of oppression from cattle herders are trying their best to coexist with their aggressors, yet it is the aggressors that are threatening further mayhem. This cannot be.
“I call on all Igbos to be ready to defend themselves. Enough of these threats!,” Ohaneze chief warned.
Just as the Ohaneze’s response is trending, there are apparent signals that other southern Nigeria socio-cultural bodies including Afenifere for the South West, Middle Belt Forum for Benue and adjoining states and PANDEF, representing the South South and Niger Delta as soon as possible. Analsyst say such unguided utterances by CNG that tend to embarrass Federal Government’s policy position should be checked as soon as possible to avoid breakdown of law and order in Nigeria going forward.
