The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has asked
Channels Television and Inspiration FM in Lagos to pay a fine of N5 million
each for breaching the broadcast code.
The commission had queried Channels Television after Emma
Powerful, a leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was
interviewed during one of its programmes in April.
NBC, however, said the TV station apologised for breaching
the code.
Similarly, Inspiration FM Lagos reportedly aired a broadcast of IPOB wherein it made “secessionist claims”.
In a statement on Thursday, Armstrong Idachaba, NBC acting
director-general, said the sections of the code breached by the stations are
“class A” offences which attracts the “immediate order of suspension of
broadcast services; suspension of licence and immediate shut down”.
“Section 3.11.1(b), the broadcaster shall ensure that no
programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted
authority or compromises the unity or corporate existence of Nigeria as a
sovereign state,” NAN quoted Idachaba as saying.
“(In) 15.5.1: the following penalties shall apply in respect
of a breach committed by the broadcaster: light, N200,000 to N500,000; heavy,
N500,000 to N4,999,000; severe, N5,000,000.”
The DG said the commission reviewed the appeals of both
stations and decided to set aside the option of suspension of licence.
“The NBC has reviewed the appeals and apologies from both
stations, and has decided to set aside the option of suspension of licence,” he
said.
“The commission has, however, directed both stations to pay
N5 million penalty each to serve as a deterrent.”
Idachaba warned broadcasters to stop giving voice to
“terrorist organisations”.
IPOB was proscribed in September 2017.
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