Group Gives Government Agency Ultimatum To Rescind Fines On Arise TV, AIT, Channels

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has condemned the fines imposed on Channels Television, Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Arise Television.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on Monday said the three privately-owned television stations broadcast online pictures and videos of the #EndSARS protest.

The government agency suggested that the actions of the stations fueled violence across Nigeria.

Armstrong Idachaba, acting NBC Director-General, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, accused the media outfits of “unprofessional coverage” of the protest.

However, reacting to the sanctions, SERAP described it as a new low in protection of freedom of expression in Nigeria.

The group, in a statement by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, gave the NBC 48 hours to cancel its decision or face a legal action.

It said the measure is another push by the Nigerian government 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 We will sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours,” SERAP said.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.

“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. The NBC should stop targeting and intimidating independent media and voices.”

SERAP asked President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the NBC, to stop intimidating and harassing independent media houses.

The body said authorities must 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.

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