Twitter Ban: AIT, Raypwer FM, Faaji Radio to Sue FG, NBC

DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of Africa Independent Television, Raypower FM and Faaji Radio, has declared its readiness to challenge the National Broadcasting Commission’s stance on the suspension of Twitter.

Following government’s order for broadcast organizations to deactivate their Twitter accounts on Monday, DAAR Communications has declared a legal battle with the federal government and the National Broadcast Commission once the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria is over.

In a statement on Monday by the media conglomerate, DAAR said the ban by government does not represent any law as contemplated by the National Broadcasting Code.

Although AIT, Raypower and Faaji Radio have all suspended the use of their Twitter handles, the trio will challenge the NBC directives in court as soon as judiciary workers suspend their ongoing strike.

The National Broadcast Commission directed all broadcast stations across the country to stop patronizing Twitter and stop using it as a source of news.

Quoting from Sections 2 (1), 3.11.2 as well as 5.6.3 of the NBC Act, the directive also demanded that broadcast organizations deactivate their accounts on the microblogging platform.

The order by the NBC followed the ban of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over an alleged use of the platform for ‘activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria’.

Meanwhile, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed has stated government will prosecute Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor W. F Kumuyi and all Nigerians who flouted the suspension order by the federal government.