There has been widespread condemnation following the indefinite shutdown of DAAR Communications outfits, AIT and Ray Power FM by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC.
NBC before pronouncing the suspension had accused the AIT and Ray Power of airing promoting hate speeches and inciting contents from social media.
However, the owner of the Stations, Raymond Dokpesi had denied all allegations of wrongdoing, saying the Buhari administration was out to victimise them over of their perceived allegiance to the opposition.
Many Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar condemned the action saying the shutdown has indicated that Nigeria was now under a dictatorship
Atiku said the shut down of AIT and Ray power FM indicated that Nigeria was now under a dictatorship.
The former Senator of Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani on his part said the suspension of the stations said the action was condemnable and politically motivated.
SEE OTHER REACTIONS
If, at this time, we stand by as the Press loses its independence, there will be little to differentiate us from a dictatorship. This should not happen. -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) June 6, 2019
The suspension of @AIT_Online is an utterly condemnable act.The suspension is politically motivated.Its an act of ingratitude & treachery to strangulate the very media outlet that has played a pivotal role in the struggle for the restoration and defense of democracy.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) June 6, 2019
The suppression of FreePress remains a chronic element in the seriatim of aberrations under this administration. The demonstration of impunity by the unconscionable partisan hireling at NBC is a condemnable tell-tale of deeper woes to come. #AITunderSiege #NextLevelWoes
— SEGA L’éveilleur®???? (@segalink) June 7, 2019
When govt does not want to hear dissenting voice, when govt agencies like NBC, EFCC, DSS, Police are going after perceived opposition, when judiciary has been cowarded, when media houses are been told what to pushout, Know that we are in a full-blown dictatorship #AITUnderSiege pic.twitter.com/zNL2r8Wdzu
— Debola (@DebolaYeshua) June 7, 2019
I stand for #PressFreedom. If the press isn’t free, it means Government therefore possesses more power over her citizens than it needs to have. #AITUnderSiege
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 6, 2019
Isn’t it strange, that the Presidency is meddling in a situation that doesn’t concern them.
Leave @AIT_Online to face the NBC and consequences of their actions right or wrong they can approach the court.
What’s the interest of Aso Rock in this? #AITUnderSiege#freepress https://t.co/0881bcoW6y
— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) June 7, 2019
It’s Currently #AITUnderSiege, if we don’t Stand against Tyranny because it doesn’t affect us today. It’s only a matter of Time, before it gets to Us.
Remember
Deji Adeyanju
Sanusi Lamido
Dino Melaye. Endless list
I’m Sad because I am part of d People that Voted In dis Tyrant pic.twitter.com/d5NpZ9UDPi— Tosin Samuel aka De Bad Accountant???????????????? (@mr_tosinsamuel) June 7, 2019
Imagine President @realDonaldTrump
Ordering for the revocation @CNN broadcasting licence becoz they criticised him? Never @MBuhari you are a wicked, evil, uncivil and a dictator, no amount of pretence will change this and we are ready to fight you. #AITUnderSiege#FreePress pic.twitter.com/NsZPIqOUcO— #IStandWithAIT (@Mr_grandeur) June 7, 2019
The suppression of FreePress remains a chronic element in the seriatim of aberrations under this administration. The demonstration of impunity by the unconscionable partisan hireling at NBC is a condemnable tell-tale of deeper woes to come. #AITunderSiege #NextLevelWoes
— SEGA L’éveilleur®???? (@segalink) June 7, 2019
However, some Nigerian Twitter users defended the NBC’s action saying the stations was biased and deserved to be sanctioned.
SEE TWEETS
Am an advocate for #FreePress but also an advocate for balanced Press. AIT should hv known the implications of their partisan coverage. Am sure NBC won’t wait till they cause a major problem before acting.#AITUnderSiege pic.twitter.com/WiQp1KMG4E
— Miz Udokachi (@GabrielUdokachi) June 7, 2019
When you see things like these what would you think?????
I mean, i have watched AIT so much that i know they’ve been bought. Take it or leave it Daar Coms. have been compromised for a long time now. #AITUnderSiege pic.twitter.com/tr0aYF1nR1— Miz Udokachi (@GabrielUdokachi) June 7, 2019
Isn’t it amazing how some igbos have turned themselves to members of PDP ?
They defend the indefensible without asking questions!
They want Buhari govt to be toothless like their demigod, Jonathan !!
Wake up guys this is about Nigeria !! Not Buhari !!#AITUnderSiege— ❤Mr. Ismail???????? (@StaunchIdealist) June 7, 2019
I know we are sentimental when it comes to politics,religion,nd ethnicity.its apparent that there is no media house in Nigeria that is not compromised.yet,they stil have their ways of balancing their news stories to escape NBC sanction.#PressFreedom #AITUnderSiege#FreePress pic.twitter.com/nsjwIKHo5G
— ALIU BÓLAKALẸ JABATA (@mrrsmartt) June 7, 2019
Every morning before I leave for work, my brother watches #KakaakiSocial on AIT, basically the way they bring in social media content with no objectivity to lashes on govt or people that are not on the same page with them????#AITUnderSiege#PressFreedom#FreePress???????? pic.twitter.com/Tk5RAk4lKL
— ALIU BÓLAKALẸ JABATA (@mrrsmartt) June 7, 2019
Every morning before I leave for work, my brother watches #KakaakiSocial on AIT, basically the way they bring in social media content with no objectivity to lashes on govt or people that are not on the same page with them????#AITUnderSiege#PressFreedom#FreePress???????? pic.twitter.com/Tk5RAk4lKL
— ALIU BÓLAKALẸ JABATA (@mrrsmartt) June 7, 2019