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Buhari is urged by SERAP to drop his threat to shut down 53 TV and radio stations

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Buhari is urged by SERAP to drop his threat to shut down 53 TV and radio stations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to instruct the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to withdraw the threat to shut down the operations of 53 broadcast stations in the country over alleged failure to renew their licenses.
NBC had last week revoked the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and threatened to shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt. NBC asked the stations to pay all outstanding license fees on or before August 23, 2022 or shut down by 12am on August 24.
But, in a letter dated August 20, 2022 and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the threat to shut down 53 broadcast stations was neither necessary nor proportionate and, if carried out, would offend the legal principles of equity and equality of access to mass communication.
SERAP stated, “Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations, because they have not renewed their licenses, would undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts. It would also violate Nigerians’ right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 24 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest. When money or economic considerations are the major criteria for renewing licenses for broadcast stations, the fundamental principles of equal access to the media, pluralism and diversity are compromised.
“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Any regulation of broadcasting must respect these three requirements. With just months to go before the general election, scheduled for February 2023, your government ought to do more to create conditions for a free and fair vote.
“This includes demonstrated commitment to freedom of expression. Shutting down 53 broadcast stations on the pretext of non-renewal of their licenses is neither necessary in a democratic society nor proportionate to meet the constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.”

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“I Have Social Anxiety” — BBNaija Housemate Dede Opens Up Amid Criticism

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Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Dede, has revealed her struggle with social anxiety following criticisms from fellow contestants who described her as a “snub.”

Dede’s reserved nature has sparked controversy in the house, especially her refusal to hug male housemates, which some interpreted as unfriendly or aloof.

In a candid conversation with fellow housemate Koyin, Dede opened up about her mental health challenge.

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“Do you have social anxiety?” she asked Koyin.

Koyin replied, “No, do you?”

“Yes, I do,” Dede answered.

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Koyin then reassured her not to be overly concerned about how others perceive her, adding that “such is life.”

During her first diary session with Biggie, Dede had described herself as an introvert who “doesn’t like people.” She also offered clarity on her decision not to hug other housemates, saying it stemmed from the fact that she didn’t know them before the show.

Dede’s admission has since sparked conversations on social media about mental health awareness and the importance of respecting personal boundaries.

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“Davido Is Nigeria’s Most Influential – Manager Asa Asika Insists”

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Asa Asika, manager of Afrobeats superstar Davido, has declared that the singer is the most influential person in Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Zeph podcast, the renowned talent manager stood by his belief, despite ongoing debates and differing opinions in the entertainment industry and among fans.

“Davido is mad influential. I don’t care what anybody says, I think Davido is the most influential person in Nigeria. I have seen it firsthand,” Asika said.

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Davido, the head of DMW (Davido Music Worldwide), is currently the most followed Nigerian across major social media platforms, a metric often cited by fans to support claims of his dominance in the digital space.

However, the debate over who holds the most real-world and online influence among Nigeria’s top music exports—Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy—has remained a hot topic for years, with each artiste commanding a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Asika’s statement is expected to reignite the conversation, particularly among fans of the three Afrobeats giants.

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“UK Men Are Too Broke for Me” – Bobrisky Lashes Out on Instagram

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Controversial social media personality, Okunyele Idris Olarenwaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has sparked reactions online after criticising men in the United Kingdom over their lifestyle and financial status.

In a recent Instagram post, Bobrisky described UK men as “too broke” for his taste, noting that their tendency to share apartments and split bills is far from impressive.

“By the way, UK men are too broke, avoid them,” he wrote.
“They share apartments, they share bills among themselves, ewwww.”

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The popular influencer went further to outline the standards he expects from any potential suitor, insisting that they must exude luxury and class, particularly through their choice of fashion and accessories.

“Before any UK guy can approach me, please come correct. The least wristwatch I want to see you wear is Presidential Rolex and a designer’s slippers,” he added.
“If me as a girl can rock Presidential Rolex, why can’t you?”

The post has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with fans and critics weighing in on Bobrisky’s high-end preferences and controversial take on UK men.

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