NBC Warns TV, Radio Stations Against Reporting On Herdsmen Quit Notice

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned television and radio stations against broadcasting the Fulani herdsmen quit notice.

Recall that Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, had asked herdsmen to leave Ibarapa community in Oyo State.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had also asked herdsmen to vacate all state forest reserves and register with the government.

In a warning letter titled, ‘Broadcast of Crisis Involving Herdsmen, Caution’, dated January 26, 2021, the NBC stated that 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.

“The commission therefore 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 broadcast regulator 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 and 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 neutrality.”