The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has threatened to sanction all broadcast stations in the country still patronising Twitter despite suspension of the micro-blogging site.
NBC director-general Prof. Armstrong Idachaba in a release on Monday directed broadcast stations 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.”
“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,” he said.
The NBC boss mentioned Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act and Section 3.11.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code which saddles the commission with responsibility to ensure strict adherence to national laws, rules and regulations.
He also mentioned Section 5.6.3 of the Code “which requires broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of a user-generated content.”
