The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Thursday, January 28, warned television and radio stations against broadcasting divisive contents.
This warning came in the wake of quit notices issued to Fulani herdsmen to vacate certain areas in the South-West.
The NBC warning was stated in a letter titled, ‘Broadcast of Crisis Involving Herdsmen, Caution’, dated January 26, 2021, sent to broadcasters nationwide.
This was after a quit notice issued to Fulani herdsmen by Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, in Oyo State.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had also asked herdsmen in the state to vacate all forest reserves within a week.
The NBC, which is the regulator of the broadcast media, said there was a need for stations to maintain professionalism.
The letter read in part, “The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to bring to your attention emerging trends of national concern like the herdsmen crisis in Ondo and Oyo states and related issues which could spiral out of proportion if not properly handled.
“Also, the commission, seizes this opportunity to admonish broadcasters on the need to exhibit professionalism; and observe required caution in the coverage and presentation of the quit notice to herdsmen and related issues.”
The NBC also reminded broadcasters of the rules governing coverage of crisis; as well as the constitutional need to not only promote and protect the corporate existence of the country; but the economic well-being of the Nigerian state.
It quoted Sections 5.4.1 (a, b&f) and 5.4.3 of the broadcast code.
Part of the section reads, “(Broadcasters) shall not transmit divisive materials; that may threaten or compromise the divisibility as well as indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent; by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy, and also neutrality.”
