A public presentation of Question Marks on the 6th NBC Code Amendments was recently held at the International Press Centre, Ogba, Lagos.
Major media stakeholders converged at the event to condemn and reject some sections of the amendments which were multilaterally considered to be inimical to the freedom and independence of the Press.
In his opening remarks at the occasion, the Executive Director, IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade was emphatic on the ills of the provision of section 5.6.1 of the amends which cautions the Press on the use of user generated content that may embarrass individuals, organisations and even government and its bodies.
Said he: “It is laughable that under a democratic setting the provision on the use of user generated content that may be considered as embarrassing to government and others could be upheld. By popular opinion, it could unnecessarily limit citizens’ input into media content. And by including government officials among those that could be embarrassed, the provision could intimidate the media while encouraging public officials to evade their responsibility of accountability”.
Arogundade delivered that no major stakeholders were consulted before the unfavorable amendments were made while fielding questions from newsmen present at the occasion.
A special guest at the occasion who also gave his remarks was Nigeria’s doyen of journalism education, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye.
Th publication containing the question marks was thereafter launched for distribution to the public.
