The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has noted with great concern, events that are unfolding in Nigeria particularly the #ENDSARS protests which started peacefully but later escalated to full fledged arson and looting .
This, the Association said, has resulted in loss of Lives of people, maiming and destructions of property ( including attacks on some media houses).
A statement issued by the Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan also expressed concerned on the connotations of the crisis and unguarded utterances by citizens, political actors and eminent personalities on the desirability of protests and demands for reforms of the Nigerian Police and mode of Governance.
“As a responsible Media Owners’ group, NBMOA reiterates it’s resolve not to avail it’s platforms to few questionable elements with ulterior motives to undermine the unity of this nation under any guise.
“The Unity of Nigeria and it’s people, must be maintained and those with parochial intentions to disunite our people will not have a space in our platforms”.
“While we are calling on all Nigerians to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately address the nation and call for a halt on the destructions of Lives and property.
“Mr. President, please act now to forestall our country from drifting to full blown war and anarchy.
“We would remain resolute to the tenants of democracy and Foundamental principles of freedom of speech and continue to champion the cause for Good Governance and Accountability through our news reports and programming to heal the wounds of mistrust amongst all ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria.
“We urge all Media practitioners to set aside all bias comments, editorials and reportage that would further threaten our hard earned Independence from colonial rule and democracy” the statement concludes.
