The national President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo has criticized the decision by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to penalise Arise Television, Channels Television and African Independent Television (AIT) on the allegation of unprofessional coverage of the #EndSARS protest across the country.
In a statement he personally signed on Monday, Isiguzo said the decision of the regulatory body bring back unpleasant memories of the long tenure of Military rule and the established culture of intolerance against the media when Nigeria recorded her most grievous crimes against the industry.
“The decision by industry regulator, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to penalise Arise Television, Channels Television and AIT over what it alleges as unprofessional coverage of the #EndSARS protest across the country further exposes the nation’s anti-democratic tendencies.
“This development is of major concern to the Union as Journalists and media organisations are targets of attack by both protesters and government.
“The media, despite all its perceived short comings remains the most viable tool for good governance and democracy and should be jealously guarded and protected.” He said.
He further suggested that the media should be applauded for giving the full coverage of the protest despite the risks involved.
“Rather than trying to muzzle the media, we suggest that the NBC should applaud media coverage of the protests and the professionalism of journalists who despite the enormous risks to their lives ensured a comprehensive coverage of the protests. He suggested
