NBC Suspends ‘Ordinary Ahmed’s’ Licence Over Human Rights Abuses

The National Broadcasting Commission has ordered the suspension of the license of the owner and host of Brekete Family program on Human Rights Radio, Ahmed lsah, (Ordinary President).

In a statement on Thursday, the Commission said the suspension was in line with the sanction provisions in 15.5.2 of the Broadcasting Code.

It said the suspension would last until the broadcaster commits to ethical and professional broadcasting.

Ordinary President was recently dragged by Nigerians, after a viral BBC investigation video had captured him slapping a woman who was featured in his program.

NBC in the statement however stated that the Order shall last 30 days during which the broadcaster will be expected to put station in order and attune itself to responsive, professional and responsible broadcasting.

It said, “It shall also pay a recommencement fee of as provided for in section 15.5.1 of the Broadcasting Code at the end of the suspension period.

“The NBC appreciates the popularity of the station and the fact that it has in many cases tuned its programming to the yearning of the people.

“The Commission however has a sacred duty to promote decency, professionalism and respect for dignity of all citizens by all Broadcasters in Nigeria.”

According to the Commission, it has reviewed the events and notes the unreserved apologies and regrets expressed by the broadcaster.

The Commission stated that the action of the Broadcaster is in clear violations of the broadcasting code and a betrayal of the confidence reposed on him by the people and Government of Nigeria on whose behalf he holds the radio license in trust.

It said, “Section 0.1.1.2.1 of the Broadcasting Code provides in the social objectives of broadcasting that broadcasting shall promote generally accepted social values and norms, especially civic and social responsibilities; and encourage respect for the dignity of man.

“It also provides that broadcasting organizations shall recognize that they exercise freedom of expression as agents of society, not for any personal or sectional rights, privileges and needs of their own or of their proprietors, relatives, friends or supporters.”

The Commission also noted that it had over the years, advised, cautioned, warned and fined the station over repeated cases of outright abuse, denigrating remarks, intimidation and flagrant abuse of ethics of fairness, balance and fair hearing on the station.

“It is also on record that the Commission had conducted several training and retraining programmes for the station and the host of the Brekete family programme especially.

“The suspension order is effective Monday the 31st of May 2021, at 12.00am,” it said.