#ENDSARS: SERAP To Sue NBC To Court Over N9m Fine On Arise, Channels, AIT

Following the sanctioning of three private stations, Channels TV, Arise TV, and AIT with a fine of N3m each over what it described as ‘unprofessional coverage’ of the #EndSARS protest by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the National Broadcasting Corporation to withdraw the fine imposed on broadcast stations.

SERAP in its resolve gave the NBC 48-hours to reverse the decision or risk legal actions.

NBC had slammed fines against Arise Television, Channels Television and African Independent Television particularly for their coverage of the killing of protesters at Lekki, Lagos, by those suspected to be officers of the Nigerian Army.

The NBC Acting Director-General, Prof Armstrong Idachaba had announced the sanction at a press conference in Abuja, Monday, as he also warned that stiffer sanction could follow.

Reacting to the sanction, SERAP in a tweet described as unconstitutional the fine imposed on the media organisations, accusing NBC of using a draconian broadcast regulation to muzzle independent Media.

SERAP said, “We condemn the illegal fines of N9m reportedly imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission on Channels TV,  AIT and Arise TV (N3m each) over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests.

“We’ll sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.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.

“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.

“The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting 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.”

In a censorship move, the NBC had warned all broadcast stations not to report the #ENDSARS protest in a way that would embarrass the government.