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Hurwa condemns the invasion of Joy FM from Benue Govt – News – The Guardian Negeria News – Nigeria and World News

Hurwa condemns the invasion of Joy FM from Benue Govt – News – The Guardian Negeria News – Nigeria and World News

Decvatian attacks on the freedom of the press in Nigeria
The Association of Human Rights of Nigeria (Huraiv) has strongly condemned the invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, the Benoe government, calling it a brazen attack on the freedom of the press and democracy.

The rights group described an armed invasion of security operatives as a clear case, sponsored by the state and intimidation of the media, warning that such dictatorial action can immerse Nigeria in a dangerous era of media suppression.

Reports indicate that on Thursday, a team of heavily armed police storms a radio station in two trucks, allegedly headed by the head of the internal income service Birs (Birs), Mr. Ozhba on Sunday and Mr. Iku Iku from the State Ministry of State Otukpo zone. Employees reportedly attacked, and a journalist who read the Network Bulletin of News 1st in the evening was forced during a broadcast stop.

To respond to the incident in a statement on Friday by his national coordinator Emmanuel Onvubico, Huraiv stated that the use of armed police officers to close the media -home under the guise of forced tax collection is not only excessive but also a violation of the constitutional provisions.

The Association expressed indignation that such an action could take place in a democratic environment, calling for the governor of Hyacinth Alia immediately to order the re -opening of the station, while bearing responsibility for the illegal attack.

“It is a shameful and unacceptable act of intimidation against the legitimate media organization. Joy FM invasion by armed police officers in a command in the style of a commando-is a calculated attempt to silence the press and to instill fear of journalists who dare to report freely. It is sponsored by the state, and we will not tolerate it. The Benoe government should explain why tax execution required the use of live ammunition, security operatives who have a weapon and a physical attack of journalists, “Huraiva said.

The Group on Rights stressed that no government has the authority to close the media -dime arbitrarily, especially without a proper process and adequate notification.

He noted that if Joy FM owed any legislative fees, it is necessary to adhere to the proper legal procedures to resolve this issue, not to resort to armed intimidation.

“We are particularly concerned about the report that the station did not even realize any outstanding payments to this barbaric action. The assertion that the station owed N150,000 for the collection for business premises is ridiculous and only reveals the political motives behind this action. If really Joy FM was default in any payment, was the only solution to storm a station with heavily armed police officers as if pursuing terrorists? It is an outrageous abuse of power and should not be conducted under the carpet, “Huraiv said.

Huram’s then called on police Nigeria to investigate the illegal use of their staff that it seems to be a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the press.

He questioned how the state government was able to deploy a large number of armed operators for a simple tax drive, warning that if this pattern is allowed to continue, no media organization in Nigeria would be safe from government persecution.

“This incident reflects the deterioration of the press of the press in Nigeria. Police should explain how they allowed to use themselves in such a depressing way. Nigeria is not a military dictatorship, but journalists are now forced to stop their broadcasts under the gun. If we do not confront this, other state governments copy this lawlessness and will start closing the media buildings that expose their failures, ”he warned.

The Association called President Ahmed Tinuba and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) immediately intervene and ensure that Joy FM renews operations without further harassment. He also called on the media practitioners, civil society groups and international human rights organizations to make a firm position against this arrogant attack on the freedom of the press.

“If the government of the Benue state does not erect this unconstitutional act and immediately opens Joy FM again, Huraiv mobilizes civil society groups, legal experts and interested citizens to challenge this abuse in court. We also file a petition The growing clamping of the media in Nigeria is to act now, ”the group said.