NBC BAN: Ibadan ace broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat heads to court to seek redress

IBADAN far famed Yoruba radio presenter, Oriyomi Hamzat has taken the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), to the Federal High Court in Ibadan over a purported ban placed on him, for an order for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

Joined in the suit number FHC/IB/CS/45 with the NBC, as learnt, is an independent radio station, Petals FM located in Ibadan.

Mega Icon Magazine also gathered that Oriyomi  Hamzat, whose popular programmes : Irawo Owuro, Kokoro Alate and Kato domo Eiye Loro has enjoyed wide followership in South western part of the country and the world in general, disclosed that he had been hearing rumours about the banning of his programmes from the air-waves, but, he was never at anytime informed officially.

According to him, in February 2017, he had a discussion with Petals FM management where it was agreed on advisement to hone his skills based on NBC’s submission.

Hamzat hinted further that he didn’t only temporarily stopped his programmes but attended a refresher course at the National Broadcasting Academy which is a training arm of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN) in Lagos, which he completed sometimes in December, 2017.

The ace radio presenter said he had earlier informed the 2nd Respondent (Petals) about the completion of the course and for them to let the first Respondent know the current situation, but despite this, he was not allowed back on air.

The independent broadcaster, represented by Barrister Rashidi Isammotu also unearthed that since the problem started, the purported suspension has greatly affected and continues to negatively affect him psychologically, professionally and economically.

He further said the action of NBC, has breached and continues to breach his fundamental rights to fair hearing, freedom of the press and some other rights guaranteed under the 1999 constitution as amended.

Hamzat, however added that he has always adhered strictly to National Broadcasting code and that he has never incited anybody against the government or anybody or encourage the commission of a crime.

He said that except the unlawful suspension/ban purportedly placed on his practice is set aside by this court; he would not be able to continue his practice as an independent broadcaster.