Suntai loyalists petition NBC

SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 

Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai

Loyalists of Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, have petitioned the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission over the alleged refusal to publish stories relating to Suntai’s improving s health condition.

The loyalists were said to be miffed that their visit to the governor was not reported on the state-owned Taraba Televison or the Nigerian Television Authority.

A source close to the commission told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity that Suntai loyalists alleged that the deputy governor, Mr. Garba Umar,  instructed TTV not to air any news on Suntai’s recovery.

They were particularly angry that their visit to Suntai last Friday was not given any mention by the state media.

Umar is reportedly angry over some of the remarks made by the former commissioners during the visit. Suntai’s loyalists, who accused Umar of scheming to consolidate his hold on power, alleged that the deputy governor couldn’t allow the report because it was “positive” news for Suntai.

Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Kefas Sule, when contacted, denied the allegation.

Kefas said he did not find any reason why the deputy governor would stop TTV and NTA from airing the said report, adding that, “If he (Umar) wanted to stop any news, he would have told me. Maybe TTV have their reason for not carrying the story.”