The PDP Candidate for Imo East Senatorial District, Hon Barr. Uche Onyeagucha, said he has observed with consternation the recent closure of the Catholic-owned Radio Station in the State, Oziza 96.1 FM, by the National Broadcasting Corporation.
Hon Onyeagucha noted that this latest action by the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma, after the gruesome slaughtering of fourteen Imo youths at Otulu is provocative and disheartening.
Regrettably, rather than appealing to God for self-cleansing, Senator Uzodimma further prevailed on the NBC to shutdown Oziza FM for uncovering the nefarious activities of his administration and exposing to the public his alleged slaughtering spree in Imo State particularly in Orlu zone using his Ebubeagu militia.
According to a statement signed by Prince MacDonald Enwere,
(Special Assistant on Media) Hon Barr. Uche Onyeagucha) said, “The instigated closure of the Radio Station is nothing but a calculated ploy by Governor Uzodimma to gag the press and other democratic voices in the State”.
“We condemn in strongest terms the draconian, strong-arm and headmasterist/bravado tactics of Senator Hope Uzodimma to blatantly stifle free speech and independence of the press in the State.”
“We call on Imolites, the Catholic Community and people of good conscience to rise in solidarity against the further degeneration of Imo State into a state of lawlessness where democratic voices are gagged by the state Government.”