Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter with Channels Television, has spoken out about the recent N5 million fine imposed on the television station by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). In his response to the fine, Okinbaloye emphasized that the media would not be silenced and declared that Nigeria belongs to everyone.
The fine was imposed on Channels Television after the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, submitted a petition to the NBC following Okinbaloye’s interview with Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Vice Presidential candidate of Labour Party. During the interview, Baba-Ahmed spoke out against Tinubu’s proposed swearing-in as president on May 29, calling on President Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria not to swear him in.
Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, accused Baba-Ahmed of making several inciting comments during the interview and criticized Okinbaloye for failing to act professionally by allowing him to make such comments.
In response, Okinbaloye made it clear that the media would not be silenced and stressed that Nigeria belongs to everyone. His comments highlight the importance of press freedom in a democratic society and underscore the need to protect the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisals or censorship.
This incident raises important questions about the role of the media in promoting free speech and holding those in power accountable. It also underscores the need for a robust and independent media sector that is able to report the news objectively and without fear of retribution.
As Nigeria prepares for a new government to take office, it is crucial that the country upholds its commitment to press freedom and protects the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of censorship or intimidation. The media has an important role to play in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, and it is essential that journalists are able to carry out this work without fear of retribution.