Fallout of Anglophone protests:

Gov’t bans Radio/TV debates in SW region

-Governor OkaliaBilai visits threats, intimidation on prying journalists

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Okalia Bilai

With increasing calls for a return to federation following the endless protest strike by Anglophone teachers and lawyers in the Northwest and Southwest regions, the regional delegate of communication for the Southwest region, Rosette Bih has signed a decision banning all debate programs and discussions on public and private radio and TV stations in the Southwest region.

                In the Mincom Delegate’s decision that was purportedly signed on 1 December 2016 but published on 12 December 2016, she is compelling all owners of radio and TV stations to suspend all debates and round-table discussions having to do with the ongoing Anglophone struggle. 

                Rosette Bih urged broadcasters to respect strictly government social communication and editorial policy.

                Commentators said the SW Mincom delegate’s action is misdirected and smacks of abuse of office. They argue that it is not within the ambit of the delegate’s powers to impose and/or dictate the editorial policy of news channels within her jurisdiction.

                Yet, it is understood that the delegate was acting on instructions from her hierarchy, notably the SW Governor, who has easily transformed himself into a military commander since the upsurge of Anglophone protests in that part of the country.

                The delegate equally stressed on the need to stop all live programs on radio and TV stations because she believes it is very difficult to control the audience once they are participating on such programs. According to her, this will help reduce the level at which some participants do insult officials when sending their contributions on live programs.

                During a heated debate with journalists, the delegate said she had already informed the Governor and her Minister about her decision and that nothing can be done to reverse the decision.

                However, she later verbally lifted the ban.                        She asked the media men to maintain their on air programs but to sensitize their analysts and guests prior to the start of such programs, as well as regulate the programs to respect government’s social communication and editorial policy.

                It should be noted that even before Rosette Bih verbally lifted her obnoxious decision, most private radio and TV stations in the SW had ignored it and continued with their live debate programs, even those that had the Anglophone problem at the center of discussions.