Ahead of the Kogi governorship election scheduled for November 11, the Kogi State government has reassured the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of its commitment to supporting the Commission in ensuring that broadcast stations adhere to the regulations aimed at ensuring a credible poll in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, made this known during a sensitisation programme organised by the commission to educate broadcast stations in the state about their roles in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
The Information Commissioner urged broadcast stations to remain dedicated to providing their platforms for all political parties and candidates, thereby creating a level playing field for everyone involved.
He stated, “This enlightenment is timely, as Kogi is preparing to elect its next governor. There is no better time than now for stakeholders to remind broadcast stations of their responsibility to the people.”
“A few days ago, I listened to stories about candidates from opposition parties on the state-owned Confluence Radio. I was satisfied because it is the station for the people of Kogi State, regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.”
“We cannot have a free, fair, and credible election until all stakeholders come together to agree on standards and fairness. We have set the template in Kogi State, and others can follow suit.”
“On behalf of the Kogi State Government, I assure everyone that the state government is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible poll come November 11, 2023.”
The commissioner commended NBC for its role in raising concerns when necessary, stating that “the broadcast industry must play a crucial role in enlightening the people.”
Furthermore, the Commissioner accused the opposition of being behind the recent “vandalisation of the state-owned broadcast station in Ochaja.” He called on the police and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The people need to understand that broadcast corporations are partners of the government in public enlightenment and sensitisation.”
“It is senseless and a clear case of politics taken too far for political actors to vandalize a broadcast station. We call on the police to ensure that those responsible for this outrageous act are brought to justice.”
During the event, the Director General of NBC, Mal. Balarabe Shehu Ilela, represented by the Director of Broadcast Monitoring at NBC, Mrs Francesca Aiyetan, stated that the commission is always prepared to ensure that broadcast stations the ethics of broadcasting.
