By John Ovie
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has accused the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of being averse to press freedom and freedom of speech.
The accusation is coming on the heels of a recent claim by the NBC that there is rising violation of the sixth edition of the broadcasting code particularly across news and political programmes.
The NBC went further to place sanction on presenters who express personal opinions or bully guests during interviews.
Since it made the statement, the NBC has come under stern criticism from the media space, with accusations of institutionalised censorship, direct assault on press freedom and an attempt to gag the media from discharging their constitutional duties.
Apart from the condemnation of the statement by the national leadership of the NUJ, other media groups and personalities have joined the fray, lambasting NBC and describing it as a willing tool for media persecution.
For instance, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the reported threat by the NBC to sanction broadcast presenters for allegedly presenting personal opinions as facts or for bullying guests on air.
In a press statement jointly signed by the President, Eze Anaba and the secretary general, Onuoha Ukeh , the editors considered such a move dangerous and injurious to journalism.
“It amounts to a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability.
“While we acknowledge that the NBC may be motivated by a desire to promote professionalism and uphold ethical standards in broadcasting, the Commission’s vague and broadly worded statement is open to multiple interpretations.
“Such ambiguity creates room for misuse, as it may be selectively applied or misinterpreted in ways that unfairly target journalists and media organisations carrying out their legitimate duties.
“The interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes is inherently subjective. By positioning itself as the sole arbiter regarding rigorous questioning or appropriate scrutiny, the NBC opens the door to potential abuse. This approach risks weaponizing the broadcasting code to induce self-censorship among broadcasters, stifle legitimate journalistic inquiry, and silence critical voices.
“We reiterate that the role of broadcast presenters and journalists, particularly during interviews, is to ask probing questions, challenge inconsistencies, and demand clarity in the public interest. Journalism is not designed to place public officials or interviewees in a comfort zone, but to hold power accountable.
“As the country moves closer to another election cycle, there is no better time for the media to intensify its watchdog role than now. The scrutiny of political actors is essential. Citizens rely on the media for accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions and carry out their civic responsibilities. This responsibility demands that journalists ask tough, even uncomfortable, questions in the public interest.
“While we acknowledge the need for professionalism and civility in broadcasting, we must not lose sight of a fundamental truth: Democracy does not thrive on timid journalism, but on bold, responsible, and fact-driven interrogation of issues and personalities.
“Journalists are not lawbreakers. They are trained professionals guided by enduring ethical standards, including the principle that “comment is free, but facts are sacred. ”
“We therefore urge regulatory bodies to operate within clearly defined, transparent, and fair frameworks that do not undermine the independence of the media.
“The NBC must demonstrate impartiality and restraint, carefully distinguishing between genuine misconduct and the rightful exercise of journalistic duty.
“In the face of such threats, the Nigerian press will not be intimidated. We remain resolute in our commitment to ask tough questions, report facts, and provide analysis without fear or favour,” the editors said.
Also reacting to the development is the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of The Light Newspaper, a Yenagoa based local tabloid, who expressed dismay over the statement credited to the NBC.
He said in a society where the press is being suppressed, it is difficult for any meaningful development to take place.
The publisher challenged the Nigerian media to be steadfast in the face of intimidation.
