Edo Guber: BON Calls On Candidates, Stakeholders, Participants in Governorship Election To Play By The Rules
From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin)
THE Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has urged all stakeholders and participants in the coming Edo state governorship election to ensure that they play by the rules and allow a level playing field to all participants.
Speaking at the 79th General Assembly held in Benin City, the Chairman of BON, who is also the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Comrade Salihu Dembos, represented by his Vice, Tony Akiotu, lamented that the broadcast industry was in danger because of the challenges facing the industry.
According to him, Edo State is known for setting standards for credible elections and does not expect anything less.
“Our job as stakeholders in the Nigerian project is to see that each time there is an election circle that the business of conducting elections is hitch free, violence free, without the attendant consequences of electoral violence and loss of lives. As BON, we want to appeal to the people of Edo State, to the governor, to do everything possible to ensure that the election that will happen very soon in this state is free, fair, transparent and free of violence.
“It is when this happens that our democracy will be deemed as growing and we believe that Edo is one of the states in Nigeria that always set the standard for free and fair, credible elections and Mr. Governor, we know that you are a democrat and will allow for a level playing field for all the actors for those realisation to come through.”
On the state of the broadcast industry, he called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the industry as he said the issue of irregular power supply and new tariff by DISCOs that is within the reach of its members was affecting broadcasting.
“As BON we are asking that a state of emergency be declared on broadcasting otherwise we will find ourselves in a position where we will wake up one day and ninety percent of the radio and TV stations in Nigeria would have closed down and we will now have to rely on the social media for information, the consequences and collateral damage it will cost us as a nation is better imagined than described.”
Declaring the ceremony opened, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said he administration would continue to support the media where necessary in the build up to the governorship election.
According to him, “In Edo State, we have remained committed to supporting the media and promoting a free, independent, and diverse media landscape, particularly during this critical time in the build up to the September 21 governorship election.
“As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of media and technology, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and the promotion of Nigerian culture and values. We must strive to provide balanced and diverse programming that reflects the rich tapestry of our society while also fostering innovation and creativity in content creation.
“I urge each one of us to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. Let us work together to address the pressing issues facing our industry, such as regulatory frameworks, digital transformation, audience engagement, and sustainability.
