N5m Fine: SERAP Threatens To Sue NBC, Urges President Buhari To Caution Regulator
The Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Government to restrain the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from persecuting people for speaking freely.
This may not be unconnected to the N5million fine imposed on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM by the NBC, over a recent comment made by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, on regarding insecurity.
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“Some of us also have our intelligence networks. I have met with some of the bandits; we have met with some of their high commanders – one or two who have repented – they have sat down with us not once, not twice”, he had said.
SERAP maintained that speaking against leaders is a constitutional right and as such, hinted about dragging the NBC to court if it keeps suppressing opposing views.
“We urge President Buhari to caution the National Broadcasting Commission to refrain from threatening Nigerians with punishment if they insult President, governors, senators other leaders.
“We’ll see in court if the NBC continues to undermine Nigerians’ human rights”, it tweeted on Thursday.
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SERAP also called on the Buhari administration to, “immediately repeal all laws punishing Nigerians simply for exercising their human rights, and to ensure full respect for the human rights of everyone.”
The tweet further reads: “Nigerian authorities should stop using “insult” as a pretext to stifle freedom of expression, and as a tool of repression.
“The ‘crime’ of insult is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended), and international human rights law.
“Public figures including those exercising the highest political authority like President and Governors, may be subject to criticism and the fact that some forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify restrictions or penalties.
“We’re again calling on President Buhari to immediately repeal all laws punishing Nigerians simply for exercising their human rights, and to ensure full respect for the human rights of everyone.”
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