September 18, 2008
The illegitimate regime of Umaru Musa Yar'adua finally yielded to public pressure today by lifting the ban imposed on Lagos -based privately operated Channels TV., the station had been since forced off the air Tuesday on the excuse that it caused to be broadcast a news item announcing that Yar'adua would announce his resignation after a new cabinet is constituted.
Security agents from the State Security Service under the direction of the minister of information, John Odey, immediately swooped on the Abuja and Lagos offices of the station, forcing it to close down. Several staff members of the station were also harassed, arrested and hauled into detention centers in Abuja and Lagos. However, since clamping down on the station, public condemnation has been relentless leading the government to buckle under pressure.
NBC Press Release below:
The National Broadcasting Commission Lifts Suspension Order on Channels Television
“The National Broadcasting Commission on Wednesday 17th September 2008, suspended the Operational Broadcast Licence of Channels Television in all locations in Nigeria due to the station’s breach of provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act. No. 38 of 1992 (as amended) and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“Subsequent to the suspension order, the Commission continued its investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the breach and is satisfied with the findings.
“Channels Television caused to be broadcast, an unwholesome news item which could have been detrimental to national interest and lead or likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order n the country contrary to the provisions of the National Broadcasting Act and Nigeria Broadcasting Code to which Channels Television has accepted responsibility and tendered an apology.
“Consequently, the National Broadcasting Commission, in consonance with the provisions of paragraph 13.5.1.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and without prejudice to the duties of security services to carry out their ongoing investigations to a logical conclusion hereby lifts the suspension order and directs Channels Television to put in place effect mechanisms to confirm news items and sources before broadcast.
“The National Broadcasting Commission is also working with Security Agencies to ensure that all journalists detained in connection with the false report about the President are released”, he said
Director General, NBC, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa
Security agents from the State Security Service under the direction of the minister of information, John Odey, immediately swooped on the Abuja and Lagos offices of the station, forcing it to close down. Several staff members of the station were also harassed, arrested and hauled into detention centers in Abuja and Lagos. However, since clamping down on the station, public condemnation has been relentless leading the government to buckle under pressure.
NBC Press Release below:
The National Broadcasting Commission Lifts Suspension Order on Channels Television
“The National Broadcasting Commission on Wednesday 17th September 2008, suspended the Operational Broadcast Licence of Channels Television in all locations in Nigeria due to the station’s breach of provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act. No. 38 of 1992 (as amended) and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“Subsequent to the suspension order, the Commission continued its investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the breach and is satisfied with the findings.
“Channels Television caused to be broadcast, an unwholesome news item which could have been detrimental to national interest and lead or likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order n the country contrary to the provisions of the National Broadcasting Act and Nigeria Broadcasting Code to which Channels Television has accepted responsibility and tendered an apology.
“Consequently, the National Broadcasting Commission, in consonance with the provisions of paragraph 13.5.1.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and without prejudice to the duties of security services to carry out their ongoing investigations to a logical conclusion hereby lifts the suspension order and directs Channels Television to put in place effect mechanisms to confirm news items and sources before broadcast.
“The National Broadcasting Commission is also working with Security Agencies to ensure that all journalists detained in connection with the false report about the President are released”, he said
Director General, NBC, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa
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