The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has vowed to close broadcast outlets whose actions threaten amicable coexistence.
Balarabe Ilela, the director-general of NBC, spoke at a meeting with broadcast stations on Friday, according to Ekanem Antia, an NBC spokesperson. The meeting was about the coverage of the elections on February 25.
He declared, “The NBC is issuing its final warning to broadcast stations and will not hesitate to close or revoke the licence of any when convinced that its activities are capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence of the nation.
“Any further breaches of the Nigeria broadcasting code and act will no longer be tolerated.”
He said the commission monitored the coverage of the elections by some broadcast stations and noted how they made their platforms available to “unpatriotic individuals” to make subversive, hateful, and inciting utterances, particularly post-election.
The NBC DG said the coverage of the elections and post-election matters were “marred by unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments”.
He said the media has a role to play in ensuring national development by publishing or broadcasting narratives of national reconciliation and healing.
He urged radio and television stations to refrain from promoting divisive debates that endanger Nigeria’s corporate existence and democracy.
In spite of the fact that the commission “believes in the freedom of expression, it is also seriously restrained to act decisively on any broadcaster that exploits the fragile peace of our nation,” he said.
He urged radio and television stations to strictly abide by the broadcasting code, the act, and other existing laws that govern broadcasting in Nigeria. (TheCable)
