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Groups give NBC, Uzodimma 14 days to reopen Ozisa Radio 

Tony Okafor, Awka
Rights groups, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders Foundation (HURIDE) have given the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)14 days ultimatum to reopen Ozisa FM Radio Station, Owerri.
The NBC had shutdown Ozisa FM, a radio station owned by the Catholic Diocese of Owerri, shortly after the state’s security outfit, Ebubeagu, allegedly killed 14 wedding guests in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state.
The reason for the closure was not disclosed, but Nonso Uba, a presenter in the station, had alleged that the Imo State government used the NBC to close down the radio station for exposing Ebubeagu killings in the state.
He said, “For exposing the Imo State government’s lies against the slain Otulu youths, they used NBC to shut Ozisa Fm Owerri down.”
In a statement on Saturday made available to our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State, the two rights groups called on NBC and Governor Uzodimma to immediately reopen the radio station.
The statement signed by Dede Uzor,  Chairman South East of CD and Executive Director of HURIDE, the groups asked the NBC and Uzodimma to reopen the station without further delay.
Condemning the closure of the station, the rights groups alleged that NBC and Uzodimma by their actions were fighting against freedom of press and speech in Imo State.
They said the action of NBC and the  governor negated the age-long principles and tenets of democracy which allowed for freedom of expression.

 

The statement reads: “We are giving both NBC and the Governor 14 days to reopen Oziza FM station or we will mobilise the entire South East citizens to storm Owerri and stage massive protest. It is very despicable that NBC has reintroduced the abolished decree 4 of 1984 in Imo State.”
They wondered why political leaders like Uzodimma would be angling to lead in a democratic set-up without having the  credentials of democratic leadership, stating “characters like Uzodimma stunt the democratic process in NIgeria.”
“We call on people of good will and International organisations to stoutly condemn the undemocratic disposition of NBC and Gov Uzodimma and bring pressure to bear on him not only to reopen the Ozisa radio station but to allow freedom of speech to thrive in Imo State.”

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