- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presdiential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its alleged threatening sanction and censorship plot against radio and TV station across the country,
NPO Reported that NBC had last week Friday issued a notice to broadcasters alleging a rise in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in news, current affairs, and political programming, and threatening that it would enforce strict compliance and impose sanctions for Class B breaches.
It accused the broadcasters of expressing personal opinions, bullying and intimidation of guests as well as failure to maintain neutrality.
Reacting in a statement issued on its official X handle on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over NBC’s threat against the broadcasters.
“Nigeria is drifting dangerously. At a time when our nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite.
“The recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling.
“A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy.” He said.
The former Anambra state governor described the media as the conscience of the nation, warning that attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy.
Obi expressed his solidarity with the broadcast stations as he frowned against controlling media narratives.
“Institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people. At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen.
“Our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results.
“Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions.
“I stand in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression.” He said.
Obi called for return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government.
He held that the endangering of the country’s democracy must not stop.