Atiku cautions that NBC order may jeopardize press freedom

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted a recent election-related directive from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), cautioning that it may erode press freedom and limit open discourse ahead of upcoming polls.

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In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Atiku said: “The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission is yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.”

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He maintained that Nigeria’s media sector has built a strong international reputation and should not be subjected to what he described as persistent regulatory constraints, particularly during election seasons.

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According to him, such measures could compromise the core function of the press rather than uphold professional ethics.

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Atiku added: “Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism.” He also raised concerns about the timing of the advisory, suggesting it points to a wider effort to influence political narratives instead of reinforcing journalistic standards.

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He further stressed that ethical guidelines must be consistently upheld, saying: “Ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations.”

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The former vice president also expressed support for media organisations and journalists pushing back against what he termed regulatory overreach, warning of gradual censorship. “I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he said.

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Atiku concluded by warning that heavy-handed regulation of the broadcast space during elections could weaken democratic oversight and diminish public confidence in the electoral process.

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