Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has described the recent directive by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), particularly at this sensitive period of the general elections, as deeply concerning.
The NBC had released the directive to broadcast stations following a persistent increase in ethical and professional violations, especially in news, current affairs, and political programming.
Responding, Obi decried that at a time when the country should be reinforcing its key democratic institutions, “we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite.”
He noted that a free and responsible media should not be seen as a threat to any government, particularly one that professes to have struggled for democracy. He added that efforts to suppress voices, regulate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the pretext of oversight only further undermine an already fragile democracy.
“At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen. Our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results,” he said.
Obi further stressed that Nigeria requires stronger institutions rather than tighter control. He declared support for Nigeria’s media organisations and broadcasters who are resisting “this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression.
“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government. We cannot continue to endanger our democracy.”
