Report has it that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has been ordered by the federal government through the Honorable Minister of Information and culture, Lai Mohammed, to take the Big Brother Naija show off the air, over fears of a possible spread of Covid-19 among the housemates.
Armstrong Idachaba, the acting director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, on Wednesday told a team of senior management members of the commission that the honorable minister of information and culture has directed him to shut down the show- according to TheCable. However, the NBC management seems not to be willing to follow the directive of the honorable minister, with most of them saying that there is no genuine reason for the move, because NBC had earlier sort for explanation from Multichoice on a possible violation of Covid-19 guidelines, with the airing of the show. According to reports, the letter was sent on the 1st of July, couple of weeks before the show began.
Multichoice replied the letter stating in details the measures they have taken to ensure the show is Covid-19 free, adding that they have been working with the Lagos state government, through the Lagos State Safety commission, who by the way already gave their approval. They also stated in the letter that all the house mates had earlier been subjected to a compulsory Covid-19 screening, and the Big Brother Naija house has been decontaminated and measures have been put in place to ensure social distancing, in addition to the fact that the show won’t be using live audience. Besides all house mates went through a requisite two-weeks isolation, which is enough time for symptoms of Covid-19 to manifest if they had the disease.
Report also has it that another director had stated in the meeting that house members had maintained the safety protocols, most especially the use of hand sanitizers since the show kicked off on Sunday.
Nevertheless the acting DG, was said to have told the meeting that he would have no other option than to bow to pressure of higher authorities and carry out the directive of his superior, the honorable minister.
