The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed all broadcasting stations to suspend the use of the microblogging service provider, Twitter following the suspension of the platform by the Federal Government.
This is according to a communique put out by NBC on Monday.
In the statement signed by Professor Armstrong Idachaba, the NBC also directed all broadcast stations in the country to desist from using the platform as a source of information gathering for News and programmes presentation.
It further advised all stations to uninstall Twitter and desist from using the platform as a source of information.
According to NBC, section 2 (1) of the NBC Act entrusts the Commission with the responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations.
“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,
“Therefore, strict compliance is enjoined and in Compliance with the above directive, Broadcasting Stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles.
“They are to desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes Presentation, especially Phone-in.
“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.
“Attention is also drawn to 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 (UGC).
“Note that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information therefore strict compliance is enjoined.”
