SERAP Challenges NBC Over N5 Million Fine Imposed On Channels Television

By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Rights Group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has slammed the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, for the N5 Million fine imposed on Channels TV over a recent interview with the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed.

SERAP said that the fine levied on Channels Television is unacceptable, biased and negates the freedom of expression. It, also, said that the fine amounted to the gagging of the Media.

It however said it would sue the President Muhammadu Buhari Government for silencing and witch hunting the media.

SERAP in a tweet on its Twitter handle on Saturday, said: “We’re suing the Buhari administration and NBC over the arbitrary and unlawful fine of N5 million imposed on Channels TV for a recent interview with Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).”

It would be recalled that on March 27, NBC, in a letter addressed to Channels Chief Executive Officer said the television station violated broadcasting code.

In a Statement Titled “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, the letter was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the Commission’s Director-General.

It read in part:

“The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okinbaloye, on Wednesday, March 22.

“Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities,” Ilelah said in the letter.

He noted that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder and, therefore, violated some sections of the broadcasting code.

This, according to him, includes the section that said no broadcast shall encourage, or incite, be repugnant to public feelings or contain offensive reference to any person or organisation, alive or dead or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.

“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance,” he said.