The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, has given a final warning to Arise Television following its recent broadcast on certificate saga of Bola Tinubu.
The warning comes on the heels of the station’s alleged use of offensive and inflammatory words on its network.
Dr Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, Director General of the NBC, issued the warning in a letter on October 6, 2023.
In order to protect against objectionable information, the letter recommended the TV station implement a delay system.
Additionally, it urged the station to handle the variety of visitors that might occasionally appear on the show and to keep them under control.
“The NBC has observed with concern preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise news.
“This letter seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guest that may feature on the station from time to time.
“The commission listed the station’s morning show programme on 5th October anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Maio-Ese, which featured Oladokun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests. The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the Legislature and the Executive, the Judiciary and Mr. President.
“The station was also accused of not keeping to its responsibility while airing its programme ‘Newsday’ which featured Kenneth Okonkwo, (Spokesperson of Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks on air.
“The commission therefore drew the attention of the broadcast station to broadcast rule and code 1.10.3, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.3(c), 3.3.1 (e), 5.3.3(b) and 5.5.6.
“Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against undesirable contents as prescribe in section 5.5.6 of the broadcasting code.”
The Federal Government has overtime been accused of kicking against press freedom which violates basic tenets of democracy.