The NBC boss stated that the Commission has reviewed the appeals and apologies from both stations, and has decided to set aside the option of suspension of licence.
‘The Commission has, however, directed both stations to pay N5 million penalty each to serve as a deterrent,‘ Idachaba said in a statement.
According to Idachaba, Channels TV station breached Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code while Inspiration FM violated Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Code because of a programme of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) it aired on May 2.
Idachaba described the broadcasts as divisive and inflammatory.
He said, ‘Section 3.11.1(b) says ‘the broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity of corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
