NBC Should Be Abolished for Enhanced Information Dissemination, Opines Former Imo NBA Chairman
Lawrence Nwakaeti, erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Imo State chapter, has advocated for the dissolution of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), arguing that the agency is misaligned with democratic principles and impedes the efficient delivery of information.
He highlighted that recent actions by the NBC contradict constitutional provisions that unequivocally ensure the right to free speech.
The legal expert voiced his opinion during a lecture at a seminar organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, aimed at promoting effective journalism practices.
Addressing the theme, “Judiciary and The Role of The Media in Deepening Nigerian Democracy,” the former NBA State chairman underscored the pivotal roles of both the Media and the Judiciary in safeguarding the nation’s democratic values from being undermined by unscrupulous politicians.
He elucidated that, according to the amended 1999 Constitution, the media holds a constitutional mandate to inform and enlighten the public on governmental and societal activities without obstruction.
Nwakaeti asserted that the media serves as a potent instrument for holding public officials accountable and can function as agenda setters by introducing vital issues for public discourse.
The legal luminary stressed that a robust democracy and the inculcation of democratic values and ethos can only be realized through vibrant media practice, which provides a platform for citizens to demand accountability from their political leaders.
He argued that the establishment of entities such as the NBC and the Nigeria Press Council to regulate media operations should not override the constitution from which the media derives its authority.
The former NBA Chairman noted that the creation of regulatory bodies has impeded the media’s freedom in fulfilling its social responsibility to the populace.
“I am concerned that recent actions by the NBC contradict constitutional guarantees of free speech.
“It should be noted that the constitution represents the paramount legal framework in Nigeria, and no legislation can claim to contravene its provisions. When such conflicts arise, or are likely to occur, the law or legislation will be null and void to the extent of that inconsistency,” he stated.
Nwakaeti maintained that he holds the firm belief that the NBC, as currently constituted, is an unnecessary entity in a constitutional democracy where free speech is assured with appropriate legal safeguards.
He emphasized that employing any agency to regulate media activities challenges the constitutional authority vested in it.
The former NBA chairman urged the Judiciary to consistently protect media practitioners from undue interference by invoking Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which acknowledges the media’s significance for sustaining democracy.
He further advised the Judiciary to collaborate closely with journalists by making court proceedings and decisions more accessible to the public through the media.
Such measures, he asserted, would enhance transparency and accessibility in the administration of justice.
In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Precious Nwadike, expressed gratitude to union members for steadfastly ensuring that journalism practice in the state is not exploited to undermine the profession’s integrity.
He emphasized that the sanctity and responsibility of journalism as society’s watchdog must be upheld at all times, regardless of whose interests are affected.
Contributing to the discussion, the former Chairman of the Council, Steve Uzoeshi, stated that journalists in the state are striving diligently despite facing intimidation in the line of duty.
He asserted that society’s watchdog also requires protection while performing their duties.
Uzoeshi lamented that it is regrettable to observe that only the fourth estate of the realm is not allocated funding despite its crucial role in nation-building.
He opined that, akin to the other three branches of government—the Judiciary, Executive, and Legislative—the media, as the fourth estate, should receive funding.
In his remarks, Council leader Elder Lambert Ojukwu encouraged journalists, especially newcomers, to regard journalism as a noble and serious profession that can expose them to broader opportunities.
He asserted that journalists must be prepared to face incarceration in the line of duty but advised that the profession’s ethics must be rigorously upheld by practitioners.
Ojukwu commended the guest lecturer for awakening members’ consciousness towards understanding their rights and requested that such seminars be held regularly to keep members informed.
Other contributors also underscored the necessity of preserving the sanctity of journalism practice and ensuring its values are upheld with the utmost respect.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the workstation and the issuance of certificates to members in recognition of their steadfastness in resisting the sale of the union press center.
