BY GRACE ANYANWU, ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has stressed the need for an amendment of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to make it compatible with international best practices.
The NUJ, which stated this while appraising the threat of sanction and fine of N5 million against Channels Television, noted that recent sanctions on various broadcast Stations by the NBC indicated that the NBC code is inimical to free speech and press freedom in the country.
It declared that what Nigerians need more from the NBC as a regulator at this very difficult time in the history of the country, 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.
These were contained in a statement by the NUJ National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, in which the Union urged the NBC to exercise more restrain in dealing with perceived infringements by broadcast stations in the country.
The NUJ states; “We are specifically disturbed by the recent threat 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.
“The fine imposed on Channels TV is outrageous and should be withdrawn immediately.
“While we do not intend to join issues with NBC, we however caution that threats like this will only create unnecessary feuds in an already cracked society.
“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 NUJ said.
It however called 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.
The NUJ further said that it is instructive to note that no matter the perceived excesses of the media, they still are germane in the quest for genuine democracy and should therefore be carefully nurtured and protected.
