"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," SERAP noted.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) “to immediately lift the ban on Jay FM 101.9 Jos, stopping the radio station from playing songs such as Falz's 'This is Nigeria', Wande Coal's 'Iskaba' and Olamide's 'See Mary, See Jesus'."
SERAP also urged the NBC to “rescind the unlawful fine of N100,000 imposed on the station.”
Noting that the commission’s actions amounted to “illegal restrictions on media freedom, the right to freedom of opinion and expression and free information and ideas,” Timothy Adewale, SERAP’s deputy director, said “such action risks undermining legitimate expression and independent voices.”
The organisation 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 on 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 criticise 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 organisations can function effectively to impart such information and ideas, the public also has a right to receive them.”