The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) fined Channels Television N5 million for an interview with Labour Party vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Baba-Ahmed urged Olukayode Ariwoola, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), not to swear in Bola Tinubu as president last week during an appearance on the Channels Television programme Politics Today.
The LP vice-presidential candidate stated that there is no president-elect since Tinubu supposedly did not match the constitutional qualifications.
The fine was detailed in a letter dated March 27 and written to Channels Television’s chief executive officer.
The letter marked “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction” was signed by the director-general of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah.
According to him, the broadcast was volatile and capable of instigating public disorder, therefore it breached several broadcasting regulations.
NAN reported Ilelah as saying, “On March 22, the NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview with the running mate of the Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, conducted by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye.”
“According to Dr. Baba-Ahmed, the inauguration of an elected president on May 29, 2023, due to electoral irregularities, is illegal.
“Consequently, Channels Television is sanctioned for the following violations and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) in the first instance only.
“You are encouraged to make payment within two weeks after receiving this letter; else, the penalty will be graduated.”