Nigeria Govt Fines Three TV Stations Over Alleged ‘Unprofessional’ Report Of #EndSARS Protest

Nigerian broadcasting regulatory body, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), has fined three television stations for what it called ethical infractions on their reportage of the #EndSARS protest and the ensuing crisis.

Without disclosing the infractions or the unprofessional reportage of the protest, the NBC, through Professional Armstrong Idachaba, its Director-general, in Abuja on Monday, said the affected media houses – Africa Independent Television (AIT), Channels TV and Arise TV – were fined N3,000,000 each for flouting the provisions of the Nigerian broadcasting code.

Meanwhile, reacting to what has been tagged media gag by the Nigerian Government, a known rights group in the country, SERAP, in a statement by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “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 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 We will sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.”The organization said: “This is a new low in Nigeria’s protection of freedom of expression, and the ability of independent media to function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 NBC must immediately withdraw the decision.The statement from SERAP 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 is 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.”