Nigerian digital rights body Paradigm Initiative has called for the removal of Modibbo Kawu, director general of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), over a social media message.
The non-governmental organisation made the request through a letter to NBC’s acting president Yemi Osinbajo, claiming Kawu recently made provocative and tribalistic comments on a WhatsApp group that could incite hatred.
As Paradigm Initiative pointed out in its letter, the NBC monitors all Nigerian broadcast stations and sanctions them if they breach the national broadcasting code.
However, NBC’s director general seems not to abide by the same rules, Paradigm Initiative alleges.
“We do not believe that Mr Modibbo has the moral compass to continue to administer the affairs of the NBC. This country deserves leaders who not only promise the rule of law and the observance of democratic principle but also administer it, not only during office hours but every day of their lives,” the company said.
Boye Adegoke, programme manager at Paradigm Initiative, added: “Given the sensitive nature of Mr Modibbo’s position and role in the affairs of the NBC, it is highly unbecoming of him to be seen creating and promoting such inciting content.
“Not only are his actions inappropriate and unbefitting of a public servant but also unacceptable of the director general of the commission responsible for, among other things, regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. It will be hypocritical for him to remain in office and continue to determine what is broadcast and what is not.”
Further details are yet to be disclosed about the complaint or any responses to it.
The NGO’s request comes days after Tony Akiotu, MD of Daar Communications, said the NBC’s recent sanctioning of Daar’s TV station was “inappropriate.”
Paradigm Initiative is an indigenous organisation that aims to ensure that the rule of law and human rights are adhered to in the digital age.
tagged in: Boye Adegoke, Modibbo Kawu, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Paradigm Initiative, Yemi Osinbajo