SERAP asks NBC to withdraw 'illegal fines on Channels TV, AIT, Arise TV or face legal action'


Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has “condemned the unconstitutional and illegal fines of N9m reportedly imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission [NBC] on Channels TV, AIT and Arise TV [N3m each] purportedly over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests.”

The acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, announced at a press conference in Abuja today that the agency has fined Channels Television, Arise Television and Africa Independent Television for what it termed “unprofessional coverage” of the #EndSARS protests.

Reacting, SERAP in a statement by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “This action by the NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices. The 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 We will sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.”

The organization said: “This is a new low in Nigeria’s protection of freedom of expression, and the ability of independent media to function in the country. The fines are detrimental to media freedom, and access to information, and the NBC must immediately withdraw the decision.”

The statement, read in part: “Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression and access to information. The ability to practice journalism free from undue interference, to cover peaceful protests, and critical views are crucial to the exercise of many other rights and freedoms.”

“The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog' in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role. The NBC should stop targeting and intimidating independent media and voices.”

“President Muhammadu Buhari should caution the NBC to stop intimidating and harassing independent media houses and to respect the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

Ok

An end to Buhari is the end to these barbaric acts.
Nigeria has gone to the dogs.

Good news. Buhari never NBC think they can pocket any one

They better do that fast, Lie Lie Muhammed has be using NBC to do boju-boju

I'm waiting for silvernorgold, heleinus, ngpatriot and MANNABIGBIGPRICK to come and spew thrash here

Apt description " illegal fines". Press gagging and censoring fines are antidemocracy!

Hardened hearts.

This is why Pharoah and his army perished in the Red Sea.

This government has gagged the press

NTA better tell NBC to stop making stupid comments before people reason their matter. These crazy people are inflaming the tensed environment. You people don’t want to learn abi?

Things are really getting out of hand. In fact, daily the same government are delivering new lows for the country and yet wants to make "a super passport", internationally.

Until 2023, let's enjoy the dish some had prepared and served

This govt intolerance for dissenting views is legendary. They were surprised that these stations were able to air to d whole world real-time d true visuals of what is going on in this shithole

jlinkd78:
This govt intolerance for dissenting views is legendary. They were surprised that these stations were able to air to d whole world real-time d true visuals of what is going on in this shithole

Ok

Trying to gag the media