The declaration of the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC), that media houses, both print and electronics that failed to pay up their annual licence fee, latest by August 23, 2022 risked having their licenses revoked have continued to generate comments and condemnation from the general public. NBC had claimed that the commission is owed about N2.6 billion debts by almost 53 media houses in Nigeria. The relationship between NBC and Media Entrepreneurs in the country, especially after the #EndSARS imbroglio has remained like that of cat and mouse. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, unfortunately, instead of positioning the commission to advance the course of our democracy may have turned NBC into a tool of witch-hunt against those he perceived as the enemy of the government. Already, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have sued the Federal Government, represented by NBC. Joined in the suit also as a defendant is the Minister of Information and Culture.
Most media houses before this time had come under the heavy hammer of NBC who determines freely without any qualms what constitutes fake news. The fear of fake news today in the media industry is the beginning of wisdom. It has become one of the weapons of government to terrorize and clamp down arbitrarily on media houses, especially those who allow their medium to be used by the opposition groups to express their feelings about government ineptitude. For example, Daily Trust Broadcasting Station, an Abuja based television outfit was recently sanctioned over a documentary it aired, concerning a kidnap kingpin who granted interview to journalists from his hideout. Instead of commending the media house for carrying out such investigative journalism and show of rare bravery, what it got in return was sanction. Renewal of licence fee should not be a yardstick to threaten or close down a media house because the media industry is not insulated from the harsh economy every sector in the country is going through. The ideal thing here is for the NBC to look inward on how to further develop the industry better than what it is today.
This can be achieved by looking into once again, and if possible, review the Act that established the commission with a view to give it human face, necessary for growth and development in the system. The idea of yearly renewal of licence fee should be looked into again by the authorities concerned to avoid constant friction between the commission and the subscribers of its services. The NBC should, as an independent body act likewise but many sees it today as a tool in the hands of government. That should not be the case, especially in a democracy where freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the constitution, with the role of the media clearly espoused However, we are opposed to individuals or groups acting as if anyone is above the law. Government and Media Entrepreneurs are therefore encouraged to find a middle ground on this matter, to avoid stoking more troubles in a society that is already riddled with so many unresolved issues. Revocation of 53 media house licences in a swoop by NBC may send wrong signals to the outside world, especially now that the country is preparing for yet another general election. We advise government to listen to the voice of reason and ensure that the right thing is done rather than being seen as enemy to freedom and inhibitor to access to information as contained in the 1999 constitution as amended.
…On the kidnap of four Reverend Sisters
The kidnap and subsequent release of four Reverend Sisters in Imo State recently by the enemies of the society who are prowling across the length and breadth of the country is still something to worry about. We have lost count of how many Reverend Priests, pastors and other religious men and women that have paid the ultimate price in the hands of these mindless people for no just cause. The question remains: When did the Priests and the Clergy become the custodian of the people’s wealth these criminals are looking for. For God’s sake, these ordained men and women are already enslaved in Christ. Going after them under whatever guise is the worst thing to think about. We urge those who are behind this dastardly and inhuman act to repent. We thank God for the timely release of the Sisters, even as we pray that all others still in captivity, anywhere in the country would be released unconditionally.
