An ace Yoruba broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has taken the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, (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 is an independent radio station, Petals FM located in Ibadan.
Oriyomi Hamzat whose popular programmes Iriwo Owuro, Kokoro Alate and Kato domo Eiye Loro has enjoyed wide followership in southwestern part of the country and the world in general, said that although he had been hearing rumours about the banning of his programmes from the air-waves, he never believe them because he was never at anytime informed official.
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.
He said he not 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.
Hamzat said he informed the 2nd Respondent (Petals) about the completion the course and for them to let the first Respondent know the current situation, but that despite this, he was not allowed back on air.
The independent broadcaster who is being represented by Barrister Rashidi Isammotu of Barrister O. Fagbemi and company said that since the problem started the purported suspension has greatly affected and continues to negatively affect and continues to negatively affect me psychologically, professionally and economically.
He further said the action of NBC, has breached and continues to breach my fundamental rights to fair hearing, freedom of the press and some other rights guaranteed under the 1999 constitution as amended.
Hamzat added they he has always adhered 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 my practice is set aside by this court; I would not be able to continue my practice as an independent broadcaster
