From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has lamented the use of broadcast stations by guests, callers, and analysts to score unhealthy political points.
Its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, said the development was inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.
He, however, saluted the media for the positive role they play in the society, particularly in the democratic process and in national development.
He recalled that during the Commission’s press parley held on February 9, he underscored the need for broadcast stations to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, the Electoral Act, and other Extant Laws governing the coverage and reportage of the 2023 national elections, but said this hasn’t been the case with broadcast stations in the country.
Ilelah added that the NBC expected broadcast stations to exercise freedom of expression as agents of society, not for any personal or promote sectional rights, privileges and further their own or that of their proprietors, relatives, or supporters as highlighted in Section 3.1.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NBC which was established by NBC Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to, amongst other responsibilities, license, monitor, regulate broadcasting in Nigeria and will not operate outside the precincts of this Act. The commission will continue to carry out its mandate without fear or favour,” Ilelah said.
The NBC boss disclosed that the Commission, prior to and during the National Election period, sanctioned 25 broadcast stations, while 16 others were given final warnings for the contravention of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Ilelah said 17 Stations received sanctions for Broadcast of Partisan Content during the 24hours prior to election; one station was sanctioned for announcing result before authorized returning officers made them public; three sanctioned for inciting comments; four sanctioned for divisive ethnic and religious content; while 16 broadcast stations were given final warnings for various infringements.