Bola Tinubu’s Petition Forces Channels TV To Count N5 Million Loss

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Channels Television has been fined N5 million by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for violating the broadcasting code during an interview with the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour party, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

The fine was communicated to the Chief Executive Officer of the television station in a letter titled “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, and signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.

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The NBC had monitored the live interview of Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday, March 22, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye. During the interview, Dr Baba-Ahmed said it would be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, due to election irregularities.

According to the NBC, the interview was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder, thereby violating some sections of the broadcasting code. This includes the section that states that no broadcast shall encourage or incite, be repugnant to public feelings, contain an offensive reference to any person or organization, alive or dead, or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.

The Director-General added that according to the broadcasting code, broadcasters shall ensure that no program contains anything that amounts to the subversion of constituted authority. In light of this, the NBC has sanctioned Channels Television and imposed a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) in the first instance.

The Director-General warned that any further infraction by the television station would attract higher sanctions. Channels Television has been advised to pay the fine within two weeks from the day of receipt of the letter or face a graduated penalty.

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This sanction came after the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, petitioned the commission over the interview. The commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that broadcasters comply with the broadcasting code and uphold their responsibility to the Nigerian public.