NBC fines Channels TV N5m over Baba-Ahmed’s interview

National Broadcasting Commission has fined Channels Television N5 million for breaking the broadcasting law in a programme with the Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the television station and dated March 27.

The News Agency of Nigeria exclusively obtained the letter on Friday in Abuja.

The letter, with the title: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.

It read in part, “The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22.

“Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities.”

He noted that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder, violating some sections of the broadcasting code.

“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance,” he said.

He added that any further infraction by the television station would attract higher sanctions.

“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated,” the NBC Director-General said.
NAN