The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has confronted the popular Nigerian media organization, Channels Television with a fine of N5 million over a recent interview with the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed.
The Informant247 recalls that the vice presidential candidate while granting an interview on the Channels Television last week called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, not to inaugurate Senator Bola Tinubu as the next president.
Baba-Ahmed said Nigeria does not have any president elect, affirming that Tinubu did not meet up with the requirements of the law.
The fine of N5 million was captured in a letter dated March 27 and which was forwarded to the chief executive officer of Channels Television.
The director-general of NBC Balarabe Ilelah, signed the letter titled: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”.
He said the television broadcast could cause public disorder and described it as a violation of some sections of the broadcasting code.
“The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22,” The Informant247 quoted Ilelah.
“Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities.
“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance.
“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated.”