Ajifa Solomon Ajifa Solomon
In a move that Plateau State residents are condemning as an overt attempt to stifle press freedom and evade accountability, the Jos Water Services Corporation has filed a petition with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) against Jay 101.9 FM, one of the most listened-to radio station in the northcentral state.
The corporation accuses the radio station of “persistently criticising” its failure to ensure a reliable water supply to the state. The petition has ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media, with residents decrying the action as a misuse of government institutions and an underhanded tactic to avoid scrutiny.
For months, residents have been enduring widespread water shortages across the city, despite continuing to pay their water bills. However, no clear explanation has been offered to the public, leaving many frustrated and confused.
The situation has only worsened with the onset of the dry season which can stretch for as long as six months, from November to April. On the rocky terrain of Plateau State, access to well water—a vital resource—is now nearly impossible. As the nights grow colder and darker, residents like Irene Plangnan find themselves caught in an exhausting, unpredictable cycle. In her neighbourhood, families gather their buckets and head out after 11 p.m., hoping to collect water from the nearest wells. The hours between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. are their only chance, but even then, there is no guarantee they will find any.
The well might be dry, leaving them with nothing but the cold night air and the harsh reality that their hopes for water have been dashed once again.
“People are just asking for accountability and transparency. If there’s an issue causing the scarcity, let us know. Otherwise, don’t blame anyone for drawing negative conclusions,” Ms Plangnan said.
Cyprian Mafiyai, another resident said, “They [referring to the water service corporation] should be dragged to court for failing to supply water and not informing the public about any maintenance. They stopped supplying water without warning, leaving us at the mercy of God. It’s disastrous! We’ve paid our bills, but I’m asking Plateau State Water Services: will they waive the fees for the months they haven’t provided water? After they’ve finished their case with JayFM, we’ll be suing them too.”
The ongoing crisis has only been further highlighted by what seems to be a classic case of the Streisand effect – where attempts to suppress information only serve to amplify it.
Residents have vowed to stand behind the media station as it seeks to uphold its “constitutional task” of holding authorities to account.
“Please don’t be intimidated. Keep doing the good work,” one resident urged.
The attempt to silence JayFM has cast a troubling light on the increasing intimidation of journalists in Nigeria. The International Press Centre’s recent report highlights this disturbing trend, documenting 40 separate attacks on journalists and media outlets, with over 65 individuals affected, between January and September 2024 alone.
In September, social commentator Samuel Bature, known as Samuel Samuel II, found himself detained for more than a week by the police after he criticised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over allegations of misinformation related to the purchase of a luxury vehicle. His detention is just one of many examples of the growing pressure faced by those speaking out against authorities.
Meanwhile, in a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that NBC and its agents do not possess the legal authority to impose penalties, such as fines, suspensions, or license withdrawals, on independent media outlets that promote access to diverse and important information. The ruling underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom in the face of increasing efforts to stifle critical journalism.
