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SERAP Addresses the FG’s Threat to Close Broadcast Stations

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Wema Bank Alat

SERAP Addresses the FG’s Threat to Close Broadcast Stations

The Federal Government has come under fire from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for threatening to shut down radio stations.

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This week, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) threatened to close television outlets deemed guilty of using their positions to jeopardize Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

Following a meeting between NBC’s Director-General, Balarabe Ilelah, and broadcast stations on the coverage of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission said it would not hesitate to revoke the license of broadcasters threatening the peace of the country.

It also warned media organizations that further breaches of the Broadcasting Code would not be tolerated.

But SERAP, in a statement issued on Sunday by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “instruct Mr. Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to urgently withdraw the ‘last warning’ and threat to revoke the licences of broadcast stations and shut them down over their coverage of elections and post-election matters.

“The ‘last warning’ and threat by NBC, if not immediately withdrawn, would limit freedom of expression and the ability of broadcast stations to cover important issues around the 2023 general elections.

“Political expression is a fundamental right.” The threat by NBC creates a significant risk that legitimate expression may be prohibited.

“Such an unlawful prohibition may prevent transparency and the dissemination of information on legitimate issues of public interest around the 2023 general elections.

“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.” If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

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