NBC Threatens To Shut Down Ait’s Kakaaki Over ‘Anti-Government Reports’

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has threatened to
move against African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM
over some reports it considered unfavourable.

The regulatory body accused the broadcast stations of airing
“offensive, unfair and unprofessional” content in violation of its
rules.

In three letters seen by TheCable, Armstrong Idachaba, the
commission’s director of broadcast monitoring, asked AIT and
RayPower to state why they should not be sanctioned over the issues
raised.

“The continued use of your licence (given in trust to you on
behalf of the entire Nigerian people), to embark on attacks and
vilification of the regulator shall attract appropriate sanctions
going forward,” he wrote.

In one of the letters, Idachaba alleged that the stations had
the motive of inciting the public against the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC)
and the government.

“Monitoring reports on AIT and Ray Power FM indicate that a news
commentary replete with unfair allegations against the judiciary
was aired from Monday, 20th May, 2019,” the letter read.

“This commentary was aired on the two stations during the week.
The broadcast is a contravention of the provisions of the Code and
extant laws regarding discussion of cases pending in the law courts
which could be termed as contempt of court.

“Furthermore, the language used was -offensive and unfair on the
judiciary. The broadcast is viewed as offensive, unfair and
unprofessional, as provisions of Section 1.15.1 of The Nigerian
Broadcasting Code was violated.”

In a letter May 27, NBC wondered the motive behind the
documentary: “Nigeria Judiciary on Trial: Lessons from Kenya”.

It said INEC was unfairly accused of refusing to make its server
public because it doctored the result of the elections.

NBC gave the stations until May 31 to respond to its queries or
risk disciplinary actions.

In another letter dated May 27, NBC complained about the use of
content generated on social media on Kakaaki, a breakfast programme
on AIT.

It cited many instances where “inciting words” were used and how
social media users fanned the embers of discord.

“Your station is by this letter advised to be cautious when
discussing issues relating to matters pending in the Court of law
and refrain from use of language inimical to the broadcast
profession,” it said.

Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, owners of AIT
and RayPower, is currently under investigation over N2.1 billion he
allegedly collected from Sambo Dasuki, former national security
adviser.

Although, Dokpesi has denied the allegations levelled against
him, describing his trial as a witch-hunt, government agencies are
still going after the businessman.

Two months ago, his passport was seized when he returned to the
country after a medical trip to Dubai. He was also detained for
hours.

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!