NBC to sanction media houses using Twitter

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has vowed to sanction all media houses found to be using Twitter.

This statement was made after a directive from NBC that all broadcast stations in Nigeria must suspend the use of Twitter with immediate effect.

The statement issued on Monday, June 7, was signed by the acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, titled: "Suspend Twitter handles."

NBC directive comes after the Nigerian government announced the suspension of Twitter operations in the country.

The statement reads: "Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all Broadcasting Stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.

"In Compliance to the above directive, Broadcasting Stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes Presentation especially phone-in.

"Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act entrusts the Commission with responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations. Also, Section 3.11.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that “the broadcaster shall ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a matter depicting that law and order are socially superior to or more desirable than crime and anarchy."