2019: Former NBC Boss, Bako cautions broadcast stations on code, rules

By Ado Hassan, Sokoto

A former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC) Mr Nasiru Danladi Bako on Monday cautioned broadcast stations against allowing messages or programme that fall short of the commission’s code and requirements to be aired especially during electioneering campaigns.

According to him” it will reduce and affect the credibility of such station with consequence. It will be a deficit to its reputation and likely to attract sanctions.”

” Let me also say that 80% of  campaign rally attendants(politicians), don’t know what and how to say or pass messages to the public.”

According to him” it will reduce and affect the credibility of such station with consequence. It will be a deficit to its reputation and likely to attract sanctions.”

Bako made the call in Sokoto while presenting a paper ” Conducts at Campaign Rallies: The Dilemma of the Broadcast” at a 2-day NBC organised workshop on political broadcast.

The former NBC Boss charged the industry not loose control of its mandate and role, adding” the media must not allow foul language by guiding politicians and parties, if possible, put it in writing to them. We have to be cautious of the code because such languages could be lacking decorum.

” Everything must fall in line with the code of broadcast operations. The media has to have the foresight to anticipate as well predict situations as a result of the actions and reactions of politicians while on life programme”, he cautioned.

He frowned at the attitude especially of broadcast stations to the government and persons in power.

The former Sokoto state information commissioner insisted that” we must strengthen our sense of belonging and resilience especially on the rule of tongue”‘ because of what  the he described as’  the madness in every election differs’.

He noted that Nigeria was in a dicey situation where the opposition is denied access to media(broadcast) airtime for messages.

” You cannot stop anyone from using a radio station. You must encourage life programme. Is more democratic and informing.

” Politicians and parties must also avoid violent tendencies by propagating hate speech and fake news”, he reminded.

He further urged broadcast media professionals to note that” is what they do today that designs their tomorrow.”