By Audrey Lotechukwu
MON, 26 OCT, 2020-theGBJournal- The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organisation, is threatening a legal action against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for the N9 million (N3 million each) fines it reportedly imposed on AIT, Channels TV and Arise TV over coverage of #EndSARS protest.
SERAP condemned the ‘’illegal fines,’’ threatening to sue the NBC ‘’if it does not rescind the unconstitutional fines within 48 hours.’’
‘’This action by the NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices. The NBC should drop the fines and uphold Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom,’’ SERAP said.
SERAP noted that ‘’the fines are detrimental to freedom of expression and the media, and access to information in Nigeria, and the NBC must withdraw the decision.’’
‘’Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression and access to information. The ability to practice journalism free from undue interference, to cover peaceful protests, and critical views are crucial to the exercise of many other rights and freedoms.’’
According to SERAP, the media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imaparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role.
‘’The NBC should stop targeting and intimidating independent media and voices.’’
Twitter-@theGBJournal|email: info@govandbusinessjournal.com.ng
