The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcast stations not to allow politicians to use their platform to promote divisive remarks, hate speech, or derogatory remarks in advance of the general election. If they do, they risk punishment.
In a statement released by its Director General Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, NBC stated that it has seen politicians’ ethics and ethos waver when they use broadcast platforms.
The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to remind everyone who will be covering the upcoming general elections to take note of the requirements of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and other relevant legislation governing the transmission of Elections in Nigeria.
“The Commission has observed, with deep concerns, how ethics and ethos have been thrown to the winds by Politicians, using Broadcast Media platforms.
“This is against the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which provides that
in using materials for News and Current Affairs Programmes, the Broadcaster Shall avoid Hate Speech, Inflammatory, Derogatory and Divisive Remarks or Allusions.
“The Commission Notes that some Station now glamorize these situations on their platforms. The National Broadcasting Commission reiterate that such Station shall pay for their professional Misdemeanor”, the statement said.
He said the NBC ACT CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, also prescribes, in the Third Schedule 12(6) that “A Licensee shall be responsible for the content of the Station’s Broadcast.
“Conclusively, the Commission enjoins all broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used by politicians, their supporters and/or sympathizers, for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.
“Broadcasters are, therefore, expected to perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality”, he added.