The International Press Centre, IPC, says, it is miffed that the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has slammed a hefty fine of Five Million Naira on Trust TV over the broadcast of a documentary on the state of insecurity in the country titled ‘Nigeria’s Banditry: The InsideStory’.
IPC in a statement signed by Melody Lawal on Wednesday says it is dismayed that the Federal Government through the NBC has shamefully done that, forgetting that in a democracy, the basic tenets of the rule of law cannot be trampled upon as it suits the whims and caprices of those in the corridors of power.
Also read: Matawalle Signs Anti- Banditry Bill Into Law,Proposes Death Penalty For Offenders
In the above context, it is worth pointing out that Trust TV was neither notified of the alleged infringement of sections 3.1.1, 3.12.2, and 3.11. 2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code nor requested to defend itself against the allegations before the fine was handed down. In other words, there was no fair hearing for Trust TV, but a one-sided hearing of the accusation by the Information Minister upon which NBC acted.
IPC added that it is unacceptable because, NBC, which is funded by taxpayers’ money and expected to act in the public interest, would continuously exhibit the symptoms of an attack dog of the government once the Information Minister blows the whistle.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
