Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has “condemned
the unconstitutional and illegal fines of N9m reportedly imposed by the
National Broadcasting Commission [NBC] on Channels TV, AIT and Arise TV
[N3m each] purportedly over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests.”
The acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba,
announced at a press conference in Abuja today that the agency has fined
Channels Television, Arise Television, and Africa Independent Television
for what it termed “unprofessional coverage” of the #EndSARS protests.
Reacting, SERAP in a statement by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare
said: “This action by the NBC is yet another example of Nigerian
authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices. NBC should
drop the fines and uphold the Nigerian constitution and international
obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media
freedom. We will sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not
rescinded within 48 hours.”
The organization said: “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.”
The statement, read in part: “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. 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.”