SERAP gives Buhari 24 hours to withdraw “obnoxious” Directive on terrorists, kidnappers

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the directive containing a sweeping gag order to ban journalists and broadcast stations from reporting details of terrorist attacks and victims across the country.

In an open letter to the President, dated 7th July 2021, the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC) directed by asking journalists, television and radio stations in Nigeria to stop “glamourisng and giving too many details on the nefarious activities of terrorists and kidnappers” during their daily newspaper reviews.

SERAP in a letter dated 17 July 2021 and signed by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said the contents of the directive by the NBC to journalists and broadcast stations are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

SERAP warned that if the repressive publication is not withdrawn within 24 hours, all appropriate legal actions in the public interest will be taken.

It expressed “grave” concern expressed that the contents of the NBC directive will impermissibly restrict the rights to freedom of expression, information, and victims’ right to justice and effective remedies that are central to public debate and accountability in a democratic society.

SERAP said reporting on the growing violence and killings in many parts of the country is a matter of public interest and The NBC directive to journalists and broadcast stations to stop reporting these cases, coupled with the possibility of fines and other punishment, will have a disproportionate chilling effect on the work of those seeking to hold the government accountable to the public.

It could recalled that SERAP had weeks ago faulted the recent move by the Federal Government, to push through two bills at the National Assembly, to amend the National Broadcasting Act as well as the Nigeria Press Council Act.

The group made their stand known at a press conference in Lagos recently to discuss the policy implications of the bills, the group described the action as an impediment on the freedom of the press, in discharging its responsibilities as the fourth estate of the realm.

Source: ait.live