“This action by NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voice....... SERAP
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| Acting Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba |
The National Broadcasting Commission has fined Channels Television, Arise Television and Africa Independent Television for what it termed “unprofessional coverage” of the #EndSARS protests.
The acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, announced this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
The NBC had last week warned all television and radio stations against reporting the #EndSARS protests in a manner that could embarrass the government or private individuals or cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society.
SERAP kicks:
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has condemned the “unconstitutional and illegal” fines of N3 million each imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission on Channels Television, Arise Television, and Africa Independent Television over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests.
SERAP made its reaction known in a statement by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, titled ‘SERAP asks NBC to withdraw ‘illegal fines on Channels TV, AIT, Arise TV or face legal action’.
The statement read in part, “This action by NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices. NBC should drop the fines and uphold Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom. We will sue NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.”
NUJ, PDP Kick
NUJ National President, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, condemned the sanctions.
In a statement titled: “Unending assault on the media,” he said the decision by the industry regulator exposed the government’s anti-democratic tendencies.
He said: “Rather than trying to muzzle the media, we suggest that the NBC should applaud media coverage of the protests and the professionalism of journalists who despite the enormous risks to their lives ensured a comprehensive coverage of the protests.
“This development is of major concern to the union as journalists and media organisations are targets of attack by both protesters and the government. The media, despite all its perceived shortcomings, remains the most viable tool for good governance and democracy and should be jealously guarded and protected.
“Actions like this only bring back unpleasant memories of the long tenure of military rule and the established culture of intolerance against the media when Nigeria recorded her most grievous crimes against the industry. Sadly, we are once more witnessing actions that seek to undermine the profession by both state and non-state actors.
“We call for an end to this open contempt and disrespect for the media by NBC and note that the fines imposed on the media houses are unnecessary, discriminatory, an attempt to discourage a free, independent media, and should be withdrawn immediately.”
The PDP also condemned what it described as the clampdown on major broadcast stations by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the rush to impose monetary fines on the television stations smacks of a fresh attempt to gag the media, suppress free speech and Nigerians’ access to information.
The main opposition party said the clampdown on broadcast stations has heightened widespread public apprehensions of attempts at concealments of details and suppression of material evidence relating to human rights violations during the protests.
“In fact, this display of high-handedness by the NBC has hugely detracted from the efforts being made by well-meaning Nigerians to douse the tension in the land and reassure Nigerians at this critical time.
“The NBC should rescind this rushed clampdown and handle its regulatory role more professionally,” PDP added.
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