Socio-Economic Rights and
Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on the National Broadcasting
Commission (NBC) to immediately lift the recent ban on Jay FM 101.9 Jos and
songs such as Falz’s ‘This is Nigeria’, Wande Coal’s ‘Iskaba’ and Olamide’s
‘See Mary, See Jesus’.
The organization said the action
by the NBC “amounts to illegal restrictions on media freedom, the right to
freedom of opinion and expression and free information and ideas.”
SERAP in a statement signed by
its Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, on Sunday, expressed “Concern about the
censorship of the media and songs deemed ‘vulgar and indecent’ by the NBC, as
such action risks undermining legitimate expression and independent voices. The
NBC must immediately lift the ban on the radio station and rescind the
arbitrary fine.”
The organization said, “The right
to freedom of expression, information and ideas is applicable not only to
comfortable, inoffensive or politically correct opinions, but also to ideas
that offend, shock and disturb. The constant confrontation of ideas, even
controversial ones, is a stepping stone to achieving a vibrant democratic
society, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“Vague rules on vulgarity and
indecency should not be used subjectively to ban or fine independent media
outlets, particularly radio and television channels. The action by the NBC can
create an uncertain environment for radio and television stations and media
professionals in general and lead to fostering self-censorship and shunning any
meaningful criticism of public policies and authorities.
“The NBC is adopting vague rules
vulgarity and indecency to undermine freedom of expression, right to
information and opinion. By banning the radio station from playing the songs,
the NBC is not only undermining and harming the station, but also undermining
everyone’s right to information, public participation and open and democratic
governance
“Article 19 of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party
includes the right of individuals to criticize or openly and publicly evaluate
their Governments without fear of interference or punishment.
“It is important for the NBC to
strive to promote diversity of views, and the media’s importance as a platform
for public debate about important matters of public interest and ideas.
Censorship or impermissible restrictions in the exercise of media freedom and
freedom of expression can restrict free circulation of ideas and opinions and
impose obstacles to the free flow of information.
“Freedom of the press and other news media
afford the public one of the best means of discovering and forming an opinion
of the ideas on political and social issues and other issues of public
interest. Not only does the NBC have the task of ensuring that radio stations
and other media organizations can function effectively to impart such
information and ideas: the public also has a right to receive them.”
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