Polls Coverage: NBC cautions broadcasters against compromise, violation of code

Mr Ebuebu said the commission has observed, with deep concerns, how ethics have been thrown to the winds by politicians.

News Agency of Nigeria • November 7, 2023

NBC

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcasters covering governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi to abide by the provisions of the broadcasting code and other regulations.

This is contained in a statement by NBC’s director-general, Charles Ebuebu, on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 11 in the three states.

Mr Ebuebu said the commission has observed, with deep concerns, how ethics have been thrown to the winds by politicians using broadcast media platforms.

“This is against the provisions of the Nigeria Code; section 5 states that in using materials for news and current affairs programmes, the broadcaster shall avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory and divisive remarks or allusions,’’ Mr Ebuebu said.

The NBC DG further explained that section 5.3.3(j) stipulates that the broadcast of a partisan political campaign, jingle, announcement and any form of partisan political party identification or symbol ends not later than twenty-four hours before polling day.

He said section 5.3.3(k) prohibits the use of any vote obtained at a polling unit to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate.

Mr Ebuebu also quoted 5.3.3(l), which says election results or winner declaration should only be broadcast as announced by the authorised electoral officer for the election.

“5.3.4 provides that in exceptional circumstances, a government functionary may perform a service relating to his/her office within the 24-hour campaign restriction period, provided there is no colouration of partisanship by the official or the broadcaster.

“The NBC ACT CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, also prescribes, in the Third Schedule 12(6), that “A licensee shall be responsible for the content of the station’s broadcast.

“The commission enjoins all broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used by politicians, their supporters and/ or sympathisers, for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.

“Broadcasters are, therefore, expected to perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality,’’ Mr Ebuebu said.

(NAN)

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