The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a final warning to the Arise News Channel over alleged derogatory and incendiary remarks by its guests against President Bola Tinubu.
According to a letter addressed to the chief executive officer (CEO), Arise Global Media Limited, dated Friday, October 6, 2023, and titled, “Preponderance Of Derogatory And Incendiary Rremarks: Final Warning”, the NBC said it has observed with concern the preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise News Channel.
“This letter once again seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guests that may feature on the station from time to time.
“For the benefit of doubt, on October 5, 2023 during the programme “The Morning Show” anchored by Reuben Abali, Rufai Useni and Ayo Mairo Ese featured Oladotun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as Guests. The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the legislature, Executive, Judiciary and Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Dele Farotimi while responding to Dr. Reuben Abali’s question, remarked that the person who holds the highest office in the land is a career criminal.
“On October 6, 2023 during the programme “Newsday” featured
Kenneth Okonkwo (Spokesperson for Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks against President Tinubu thus: ‘First of all, I must have to say that it is a very sad day for Nigerians and a sad thing that the person that is sitting as their President is a certificate forger that has made the University abroad to refer to forging as a Nigerian thing.’
“Your attention is drawn to the following Sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code for Compliance please: 1.10.3: The Broadcaster shall ensure that its Presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.”
