#EndSARS: NBC Gets 48-hour Ultimatum to Withdraw fFnes Slammed on Arise, AIT, Channels

 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and agitated Nigerians have condemned the fines imposed on Channels TV, AIT and Arise TV. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Monday said the stations broadcasted online photos and videos of the End SARS protests.

The government suggested that their actions fuelled violence across Nigeria. Acting NBC Director-General, Armstrong Idachaba, at a press conference in Abuja accused the outfits of “unprofessional coverage” of the protests.

SERAP in a statement by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said the action is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices.

“NBC should drop the fines and uphold the Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom. We will sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours. He continued ''This is a new low in Nigeria’s protection of freedom of expression, and the ability of independent media to function in the country. The fines are detrimental to media freedom, and access to information and the NBC must immediately withdraw the decision.

Also, Nigerians on different Social Media platforms are calling for the immediate rescindment of the obnoxious fines to avoid further agitations.  The #EndSARS protest that attracted International attentions has not completely come to an end. This is not the best way to appraise  the unpleasant events that engulfed Nigeria in the last two weeks. What the government needs to do now is to unravel the people behind the #lekkimassacre and to look into the demands of the #EndSARS protest and other issues holistically and show willingness to address them headlong instead of unnecessary distractions like this.