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By Ibe Pascal Arogorn
The Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the suspension of Ozisa FM, a popular radio station in Owerri, Imo State.
This was contained in a statement by Precious Nwadike, the NUJ chairman in Imo State on Monday in Owerri.
Crimefacts.news had reported on Sunday how the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) suspended the station over alleged “unprofessional conduct” by some staff of the station.
The management has since assured the public of working to sort out issues with NBC as soon as possible.
NBC has said that Ozisa FM will remain suspended for a period of 30 days.
The Imo NUJ statement reads, “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.
Nwadike said 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.
Speaking further, “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.
