12th March, 2011
The Nuhu Ribadu campaign organisation says it suspects that the reason given for the inability of Nigerians to see the vice presidential debate live may be less than truthful.
The debate, organised by NN24, was not aired live allegedly because of satellite problems.
The campaign organisation’s Director, Media and Communications, Ibrahim Modibbo, said they suspect the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, pressured the TV station not to air the programme, because their vice presidential candidate, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, refused to attend.
“All the major parties were invited and we all turned up, except for PDP’s,†Moddibbo said.
“They won’t come because they can’t defend their position to Nigerians and don’t even have a plan for moving forward. That is why , we suspect, they (PDP) put tremendous pressure on NN24 so much, that they couldn’t air the live debate.
“It is unfortunate that the ruling party is using state funds and institutions to intimidate the opposition and media organisations. What are they afraid of? Why won’t they come on air and tell Nigerians what they have to offer apart from good luck?â€
He further added that he would be disappointed in NN24 if his suspicion is ever confirmed.
He said journalism is for the fearless and no organisation should give in to financial or government pressure, no matter what.
“However, hope is not lost,†he continued.
“Since the opportunity of a live broadcast is lost, we demand that an unedited video of the debate be aired. We know that our Vice presidential candidate, Fola Adeola, outshone the others like a billion stars and it would be great injustice to deny Nigerians a chance to see their next VP in action. NN24 must correct their error by showing this debate.
“Nigerians must be allowed to make their choices based on antecedents, plans and strategy, not on sentiments or religious bigotry. They must see that we deserve far better than the poisoned chalice the PDP is offering them.â€
