The broadcasting of contents related to the quit notice given to herders in the South-West region, has been discouraged by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
Television and radio stations were warned against such reportage by NBC via a letter titled ‘Broadcast of Crisis Involving Herdsmen, Caution’, issued on Tuesday to broadcasters nationwide.
The warning came weeks after a quit notice was issued to Fulani herdsmen by Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, in Oyo State.
Also, the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu asked herdsmen in the state to vacate all forest reserves within a week.
The NBC, which is the regulator of the broadcast media, said there was a need for stations to maintain professionalism.
The letter read in part, “The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to bring to your attention emerging trends of national concern like the herdsmen crisis in Ondo and Oyo states and related issues which could spiral out of proportion if not properly handled.
“The commission therefore seizes this opportunity to admonish broadcasters on the need to exhibit professionalism and observe required caution in the coverage and presentation of the quit notice to herdsmen and related issues.”
The NBC reminded broadcasters of the rules governing coverage of crisis as well as the constitutional need to not only promote and protect the corporate existence of the country but the economic well-being of the Nigerian state.
It quoted Sections 5.4.1 (a, b&f) and 5.4.3 of the broadcast code.
Part of the section reads, “(Broadcasters) shall not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”
The NBC has recently come under fire for its stiff regulations which civil society groups say are at variance with democratic norms.
