Nigerians Unite in Outrage Over NBC’s Arise TV Attack, Questioning Freedom of the Press
Nigerians who apparently enjoy the Arise News broadcast have reacted to the Federal Government final warning issued to it by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the allegedly use of derogatory and incendiary remarks on its station.
According to Credible News Nigeria, the warning was included in a letter written by Dr. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, Director General of the NBC, on October 6, 2023.
In order to protect against objectionable information, the letter recommended the TV station to implement a delay system.
The letter, which was written to the CEO of Arise Global Media Limited, also pleaded with the TV station to uphold its obligation to control its guests.
The NBC letter titled: “Preponderance of derogatory and incendiary remarks: final warning.”
The body reads: “The NBC has observed with concern preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise news.
“This letter seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guest that may feature on the station from time to time.
“The commission listed the station’s morning show programme on 5th October anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Maio-Ese, which featured Oladokun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests.
“The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the Legislature and the Executive, the Judiciary and Mr. President.
“The station was also accused of not keeping to its responsibility while airing its programme ”Newsday” which featured Kenneth Okonkwo, (Spokesperson of Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks on air.
“The commission therefore drew the attention of the broadcast station to broadcast rule and code 1.10.3, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.3(c), 3.3.1 (e), 5.3.3(b) and 5.5.6.
“Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against undesirable contents as prescribe in section 5.5.6 of the broadcasting code.”
Reacting to the warning via X social media handle @duso4me, Mr Aibidakihc queried the freedom of the press in Nigeria.
He said: “What happened to freedom of the press? We can’t say we have democracy when we continually keep destroying every institution of democracy in our government.
“I see some of you talking blah blah blah. I will educate you small. “Freedom of the press means the right to publish and disseminate information, thoughts, and opinions without restraint or censorship” You can’t be a slave in your own country.”
On his part, the X handle user whose identification is Minister of Obidients @kuwait_magix said that with the actions of the NBC, there is no difference between military administration and the present democracy practice in Nigeria.
He said: “What’s the difference between this action and what the military Junta in Burkina Faso did? Nigeria will win.”
Also Gloria Ediari while responding to @kuwait_magix affirmed: “Absolutely, I agree, Nigeria will win in the end.”
On his part, Real Omo Odua took side with the actions of the NBC over the Arise Television. He decried those complaining of the Federal Government over the alleged unethical practice in the broadcast industry. He said: “Nigerians already voted their choice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) so Nigeria has already won.”
Replying Real Omo Odua, Stephen Folorunso said he should speak for himself and not the entire country. Speaking via his X handle @stephendenigma, Folorunso said: “Because you voted him? speak for yourself. Even your principal admitted that “I know many of you did not vote for me…”
Speak for yourself bàbá mi.”
Gaslighted believes that Nigeria’s problem cannot be resolved as everyone in the country is playing ethnic cards. Speaking via his X handle @Anthony15758005.
He said: “Please wake up from your dream, Nigeria problems can’t be fix anymore .if you are from Yoruba, Yorubas are actually fighting for there freedom so as the Igbo’s, the slavery of British had consume Nigeria, Nigeria as a name cannot win anymore.”
Credible News Nigeria
