NBC Code is inimical to free speech and Press Freedom - NUJ 1
Press Release

NBC Code is inimical to free speech and Press Freedom – NUJ

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has declared the National Broadcasting Commission NBC code as inimical to free speech and Press Freedom.

The union made this observation in a Press Statement signed by its President Comr Chris Isiguzo made available to The Daily Vendor in Abuja Tuesday April 26 2021.

Reacting to NBC plan to suspend the broadcast licence of Channels Television Station for hosting the Spokesperson of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a live interview programme , as well às the fine imposed on the station, NUJ want all actions be withdrawn immediately.

“‘At this very difficult time in the history of the country, what the nation needs more from the broadcast regulator is to create an avenue for more unfettered access by all Nigerians to independent and free media to engage with other stakeholders, even when it is to vent their anger and frustrations” The NUJ said

According to the union “It is pertinent, in view of recent sanctions on various broadcast Stations by NBC, that the NBC code is inimical to free speech and press freedom and should be amended to be compatible with international best practices”

The union call on media houses to be circumspect in their work so as not to play into the hands of overzealous politicians to destroy the Nation’s democracy.

‘It is also instructive to note that no matter the perceived excesses of the media, they still are germane in the quest for genuine democracy and should be carefully nurtured and he protected”

NUJ call on the NBC to exercise more restrain in dealing with perceived infringements by broadcast stations in the country.

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