..Cautions on use of sanctions on media
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the manner in which some media organizations were recent sanctioned by the government over complaints made by political parties.
The Commission’s Project Coordinator, Hilary Ogbonna made the condemnation Monday at the review of the MOVE Project of NHRC in Abuja.
He said it was wrong, the speed with which sanctions were imposed on some a television station just five days after a complaints were made through a petition, adding that such quick action was capable of sending wrong signal to the public and international community that thorough investigation was not carried out.
According to him, the NHRC is not questioning the right of sister government agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities but said caution should be exercised when petitions written by politically exposed persons are involved.
He said as the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, it is expedient to advise sister government agencies to promote human rights in the country rather than impede rights of citizens.
The NHCR Project Coordinator said due to the crucial roles played by the media, sanction should be the last resort when it concerns the sector.