Ban on religious programmes on EBBC: S-East CAN condemns Ebonyi govt action

[MrVan]

By PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI—THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South East zone, weekend condemned the ban on religious programmes on Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation, EBBC, by the state government.

Chairman of CAN in the zone, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, while condemning the ban, described the decision by Ebonyi State government as ungodly, obnoxious and misleading and that it was an infringement on people's freedom of worship.

According to him, the decision would not only impact negatively on the spiritual condition of the state but also institutionalize the reign of total darkness in the overall interest of the state, saying "I totally condemn it. It is ungodly for any state government to do so.

This decision of the government will bring about total spiritual darkness for the state and her people. This is unethical and a complete violation of the codes governing broadcasting in this country. This ban will spell doom and total darkness for the state."

The South East chairman of CAN called on Governor Martin Elechi to rescind the decision on the ban of religious programmes on EBBC, arguing that it was imperative for the people of the state to have the opportunity to watch and listen to religious programmes that would benefit them".

It will be recalled that on June19, the Director-General of EBBC, Mr. Ubaka Onwuanibe issued a memo stating "This is to notify and inform all staff that due to an intended EBBC general programme audit, all religious preaching programmes are hereby put on hold. "No new ones will also be accepted until further notice. For avoidance of doubt SALT FM and SALT TV are concerned with this".

Vanguard Nigeria