Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP and Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ have kicked against imposition of fines by National Broadcasting Commission on AIT, Arise TV and Channels TV over their coverage of the EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
Straightnews had reported that the acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, earlier on Monday issued the notice of N3 million fine each on the three stations over “unprofessional coverage” of the protests.
But SERAP in a statement by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare stated that the fines were condemnable and is an attempt to silence independent media and voices, adding that it would institute legal actions if the fines are not withdrawn in 48 hours.
It said that the action by NBC is yet another example of the Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices.
SERAP urged NBC to drop the fines and uphold the Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom.
The statement said:
The fines are detrimental to freedom of expression and the media, and access to information in Nigeria, and the NBC must withdraw the decision.
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.
On its part, NUJ has called on NBC to immediately withdraw the fines it imposed on Arise television, Channels TV and AIT over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests.
NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, saw NBC’s move as an open contempt for the media, calling for an end “to open contempt and disrespect for the Media by NBC”.
Isiguzo noted “that the fines imposed on the media houses is unnecessary, discriminatory, an attempt to discourage a free, independent media, and should be withdrawn immediately.”
According the NUJ President, “The decision by industry regulator, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to penalise Arise Television, Channels Television and AIT over what it alleges as unprofessional coverage of the #EndSARS protests across the country further exposes the nation’s anti-democratic tendencies.
“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.
The statement said, “This development is of major concern to the Union as journalists and media organisations are targets of attack by both protesters and Government. The media, despite all its perceived short comings 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.”
