Media Organizations Reject Alleged Legal Action Against Arewa24 and Broadcasting Regulator
In a significant development within Nigeria's northern media landscape, the management and board of the Arewa Broadcast Media Owners and Practishers Forum (ABMPF), along with JKD TV channel 391 on DSTV and NIGCOMSAT, and Hamada Radio FM, have formally dissociated themselves from an alleged class action lawsuit instituted against Arewa24 and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). This move comes in response to claims made by a group calling itself the Northern Media Broadcast Owners Association (NBMOA), which has reportedly taken legal steps against the broadcaster and regulator.
JKD TV and Hamada Radio FM Issue Strong Statement
Ambassador Yaro Yusufu Mamman, the Chairman of JKD TV and Hamada Radio FM, released an independent statement to the media, clarifying their position. He emphasized that "Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to one organisation called Northern Media Broadcast Owners Association (NBMOA) on legal action against Arewa24. I am the Chairman of JKD TV channel 391 on DSTV & NIGCOMSAT, and Hamada Radio FM in 4 Nigerian Cities. We have never been invited or consulted by any Association or person, for or on behalf of the so-called NBMOA, to deliberate on or take a position on the status or activities of any industry player."
Ambassador Mamman further expressed support for Arewa24, highlighting its contributions to the Nigerian media ecosystem. He stated, "We support Arewa24 and are in solidarity with their contributions to the Nigerian media ecosystem. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as the regulator, having certified Arewa24 as fulfilling compliance with extant laws and regulations, should be respected." He also commended the NBC Director General and management for their work, pledging full support.
In a bold challenge, Mamman called on the faceless NBMOA to reveal its members and legalize its operations, saying, "We hereby disassociate ourselves from any class action against Arewa24."
ABMPF Clarifies Its Stance on the Controversy
Similarly, the leadership of the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) addressed the issue after receiving numerous inquiries from members. Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, the chairman of ABMPF, issued a statement categorically denying involvement in the purported court action. He said, "We wish to state categorically that our Forum in no way or shape is involved in or briefed about the purported court action against a leading industry player in our region, Arewa24, and our national regulator, the NBC."
Yelwa emphasized that as a legally registered association dedicated to the growth and professionalism of the broadcast industry in the Northern Region, ABMPF upholds the right of all industry players to operate freely within the law. He added, "As a Forum of Broadcast Media Owners and Practitioners, we disassociate our Forum from this legal action, and uphold the right of any industry player in the region to practice their trade unhindered, according to the law and regulatory dictates."
He concluded by reaffirming support for Arewa24 and the NBC's regulatory authority, stating, "Therefore, we support the right of Arewa24 and indeed any broadcast outlet to exist and practice its trade. We also uphold NBC's right to regulate our industry in accordance with our laws."
This public disassociation highlights ongoing tensions and disputes within Nigeria's media sector, particularly in the northern region, where regulatory compliance and industry solidarity are under scrutiny. The statements from ABMPF and JKD TV underscore a commitment to legal frameworks and professional ethics, distancing themselves from what they describe as an unconsulted and illegitimate legal maneuver by the NBMOA.
