The National Broadcasting
Commission (NBC) has threatened to move against African Independent Television
(AIT) and RayPower FM over some reports it considered unfavourable.
The regulatory body accused the broadcast stations of airing “offensive,
unfair and unprofessional” content in violation of its rules.
In three letters seen, Armstrong Idachaba, the commission’s director of broadcast
monitoring, asked AIT and RayPower to state why they should not be sanctioned
over the issues raised.
“The continued use of your
licence (given in trust to you on behalf of the entire Nigerian people), to
embark on attacks and vilification of the regulator shall attract appropriate sanctions
going forward,” he wrote.
In one of the letters, Idachaba
alleged that the stations had the motive of inciting the public against the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress
(APC) and the government.
“Monitoring reports on AIT and
Ray Power FM indicate that a news commentary replete with unfair allegations
against the judiciary was aired from Monday, 20th May, 2019,” the letter read.
“This commentary was aired on the
two stations during the week. The broadcast is a contravention of the
provisions of the Code and extant laws regarding discussion of cases pending in
the law courts which could be termed as contempt of court.
“Furthermore, the language used
was -offensive and unfair on the judiciary. The broadcast is viewed as
offensive, unfair and unprofessional, as provisions of Section 1.15.1 of The
Nigerian Broadcasting Code was violated.”
In a letter May 27, NBC wondered
the motive behind the documentary: “Nigeria Judiciary on Trial: Lessons from
Kenya”.
It said INEC was unfairly accused
of refusing to make its server public because it doctored the result of the
elections.
NBC gave the stations until May
31 to respond to its queries or risk disciplinary actions.
In another letter dated May 27,
NBC complained about the use of content generated on social media on Kakaaki, a
breakfast programme on AIT.
It cited many instances where
“inciting words” were used and how social media users fanned the embers of
discord.
“Your station is by this letter
advised to be cautious when discussing issues relating to matters pending in
the Court of law and refrain from use of language inimical to the broadcast
profession,” it said.
Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR
Communications, owners of AIT and RayPower, is currently under investigation
over N2.1 billion he allegedly collected from Sambo Dasuki, former national
security adviser.
Although, Dokpesi has denied the
allegations levelled against him, describing his trial as a witch-hunt,
government agencies are still going after the businessman.
Two months ago, his passport was
seized when he returned to the country after a medical trip to Dubai. He was
also detained for hours.
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