The National Broadcasting Commission has issued a warning to broadcasters covering the general elections to refrain from using or permitting the broadcast of content that could disrupt Nigerian law and order.
The warning was issued by NBC Director-General Balarabe Ilelah in a statement titled “Warning to broadcast stations,” which journalists in Abuja obtained on Monday night.
The commission issued a warning that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on any erring station that operates outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, in addition to reminding all broadcast stations of their obligation to promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
“The National Broadcasting Commission reminds all broadcasters covering and reporting the 2023 general elections to attempt to abide by the provisions of the Extant Electoral Law (s), the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and other relevant regulations guiding the broadcast of elections in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
The commission added, “The commission had also noticed that some guests on broadcast stations were making volatile allusions that could cause trouble in the country.”
For the avoidance of doubt, the following sections of the code warned broadcasters:
5.3.3(k) not project or speculate on a candidate’s chances based on any vote obtained at a polling place or from an exit poll; 5.3.3(l) relay only the announcement of the election results or the declaration of the winner made by the authorized electoral officer for the election; Additionally, the third Schedule 12(6) of the NBC Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation, 2004 states that “A licensee shall be responsible for the content of the Station’s Broadcast.”
“The commission warns that appropriate sanctions will be imposed on any erring station that operates outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, while simultaneously reminding all broadcast stations in this release that they have a duty to promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
“The commission asks all broadcasters to stop using or letting their facilities and platforms be used to broadcast content that could disrupt law and order.”
By adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy, and neutrality, broadcasters are expected to play the role of peace agents.
