THREAT TO MEDIA FREEDOM: KENNETH OKONKWO REPLIES NBC

Media freedom in Nigeria under threat: Kenneth Okonkwo replies NBC

The recent attempt by the ruling APC Government in Nigeria to manipulate and control the media through the NBC has raised concerns about the state of media freedom in the country.

The recent controversy surrounding Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials has sparked a debate about the role of free expression and the responsibility of the government to maintain order.

Tinubu has been accused of forging his academic credentials, and his critics have called for him to be held accountable.

However, the government has been accused of trying to suppress free expression and prevent the truth from coming out.

In part of the letter written in response to the letter written to ARISE News Channel by Mr Balarabe Shehu the DG of the Nigerian Broadcast Commission NBC Nollywood veteran Actor Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo stated:

“I sympathize with him in this unfortunate journey intended to please his employers, but state that he would have been more wise and circumspect in going about it.”

“Maybe he is not aware that the Court has decided that NBC has no power to fine or sanction any media house. Intimidating or manipulating the media house is a form of sanction and is unlawful.”

Continuing, the spokesperson for Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council said:
“He ill-advisedly mentioned my name in his letter as making an unguarded utterance simply because I confirmed that the Chicago State University certificate, which BAT submitted to INEC, was forged, for the simple reason that the University has expressly stated that the certificate did not come from them, which is the condition necessary to prove forgery.”

Okonkwo said that the NBC is trying to manipulate and intimidate him into silence.

He also claims that the agency is perpetuating the false stereotype that Nigerians are prone to forgery.

These are serious accusations, and they raise questions about the role of the media in shaping public perception and how they might impact the future of the country.

Mr Ilelah’s letter is indicative of the extent to which the State and its institutions can go to protect Tinubu.

It is thus not a surprise that the ruling party would stop at nothing to protect TInubu .

However, it is also important to remember that Nigeria is a democracy, and that its citizens have a right to hold their leaders accountable.

In a democracy, it is crucial that citizens are able to speak freely and hold their leaders accountable.

If the ruling party is allowed to suppress free expression and manipulate the media, it would set a dangerous precedent that would jeopardize the very foundations of democracy.

It is time for all Nigerians to stand up for their rights and demand a more transparent and accountable government.

Only by protecting free expression and holding leaders accountable can Nigeria become a truly democratic and just society.

In a country where corruption and mismanagement are widespread, an independent and free media is essential to holding the government accountable.

This issue is not just about one individual or organization, but about the fundamental right of all Nigerians to access information and make informed decisions.

Kenneth Okonkwo is a prominent figure in Nigerian society, with a long history of advocating for change and progress.

His letter to the NBC is clearly a passionate and impassioned call for transparency and accountability. It’s interesting to note that he sees himself as an advocate for a “new Nigeria,” and that he believes that this requires a commitment to truth and honesty.

This is a powerful message, and it raises some important questions about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the future of the country.