Atiku argued that “ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns,” adding that “they are constant obligations.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the recent Code of Conduct advisory it issued to media outlets.
He criticised the broadcasting industry regulator on Saturday in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain was reacting to the NBC’s latest warning to television broadcasters and anchors regarding what it termed breaches of Nigerian broadcasting codes.
Specifically, the commission threatened sanctions against anchors or presenters found to have expressed personal opinions as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied a fair hearing to opposing views, otherwise compromised neutrality, or been disrespectful to human dignity.
Reacting to the move, Atiku described the warning as an attempt to restrict press freedom and limit free expression in Nigeria.
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He argued that “ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns,” adding that “they are constant obligations.”
Speaking via his verified handle, he wrote: “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.
“Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism. It is therefore alarming that, each time elections approach, the NBC resorts to heavy-handed directives that do more to silence dissent than to uphold ethical journalism.
“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship. Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns; they are constant obligations.
“The timing and tone of these regulations expose a deeper agenda. It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.”
