SERAP threatens actions against NBC over fines on TV stations

Etim Ekpimah

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has threatened legal actions against National Broadcasting Commission, NBC if it does not withdraw the fines of N3m it slammed on each of the three television stations – Channels, Arise, and Africa Independent over #EndSARS coverage.

SERAP, describing the fines as “unconstitutional and illegal” in a statement signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, titled “SERAP asks NBC to withdraw ‘illegal fines on Channels TV, AIT, Arise TV or face legal action’, it added that it was another action by the Nigerian authorities to suppress independent press freedom.

“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 We will sue NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.

“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.

“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,” according to the statement.

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