Press freedom under threat as NBC shuts down AIT, Ray Power

Press freedom has come under serious threat in Nigeria as the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Thursday suspended the operating license of the Daar Communications PLC, operator of AIT and Ray Power.

But watchers see the move as a strategy to economically crush Daar Communication owner, Chief Dokpesi, a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

 Announcing the decision in Abuja, the Director General of the NBC, Dr. Modibbo Kawu said the decision was taken for the persistent violation of 2004 broadcasting Code, following persistent warning to the company to tow the line of caution.

He said the suspension stands till further notice, noting that the decision was not taken on partisan consideration.

The media have received full dose of intimidation under the current federal government as many media organisations including Daily Trust have been raided.