NBC warns broadcasters against violating provision of electoral laws

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a warning to broadcasters covering and reporting the elections of 2023 against breaking the Broadcasting Code and existing electoral laws.

Malam Balarabe Ilelah, the director general of NBC, issued the warning in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Ilelah claimed that the commission had noticed that some guests on radio and television programmes were using inflammatory language that could lead to unrest in the nation.

Therefore, he urged all broadcasters to refrain from using or permitting the use of their platforms and facilities for the broadcast of materials that might undermine law and order.

The NBC boss also warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to any erring station that operates outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

He said: “The NBC reminds all broadcasters covering and reporting the 2023 General Elections to endeavor to abide with the provisions of the Extant Electoral Law(s), the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and other relevant regulations guiding the broadcast of elections in Nigeria.

” For the avoidance of doubt, the Code admonished broadcasters in the following Sections:

” 5.3.3(k) not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit poll to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate;

” 5.3.3 (l) relay election results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorized electoral officer for the election.

“The NBC ACT CAP N11, Laws of the Federation, 2004, also prescribes, in the third Schedule 12(6) that, “A licensee shall be responsible for the content of the Station’s Broadcast.”

He also emphasised the need for broadcasters to perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.

Ilelah added: ”The commission, while reminding all broadcast stations by this release that they have a duty to promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria, also warns that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to any erring station.” (NAN)