Anambra 2021: NBC Promises ‘Severe Penalties’ For Broadcast Stations That Go Against Code

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a strong warning to broadcast stations.

The NBC warned that any broadcast station that goes against the broadcast code on election reporting will not be spared but will face the consequences.

The statement released on Thursday, titled ‘Anambra Election: NBC warns against broadcasts that compromise the Unity of Nigeria’, was signed by NBC Director-General, Balarabe Ilelah.

He cautioned against the broadcast of any partisan jingle 24-hours before the election commences and also urged broadcast stations to avoid sharing unverified election results not gotten from the electoral umpire.

He said severe penalties await defaulters.

The NBC boss recalled the provision of the broadcasting code which reads, “5.3.3(j) ensure that the broadcast of a partisan political campaign, jingle, announcement and any form of partisan political party identification or symbol ends not later than twenty-four hours before polling day; not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit poll to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate;

“5.3.3(k) relay election results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorized electoral officer for the election.”

Meanwhile, former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani has applauded the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, over the cancellation of the sit-at-home order across the South-East.

In a post via his verified Twitter handle on Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain commended IPOB for lifting the sit-at-home order in Anambra ahead of the election.

Sani stated that no political cause should undermine, subvert or stifle the nation’s democratic elections.

He wrote: “No political cause should undermine, subvert or stifle democratic elections; the cancellation of the sit at home protest in Anambra is the right thing to do and commendable. #AnambraDecides2021″