Segun Dokun Odebunmi, chairman of the house of representatives committee on information, national orientation, ethics and values, has said that his intention about the Nigeria Press Council amendment bill is to remove the identified and existing hindrances and bottlenecks standing in the way of optimum performance of the NPC
OYOINSIGHT.COM understands that criticism has continued to trail the move by the house of representatives to amend the laws establishing the NPC and Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, (NBC).
Many Nigerians and media stakeholders have described the steps taken by the lower legislative chamber to amend the NBC and NPC acts as “draconian” and an attempt to stifle free speech in the country.
Bunvic, as he is popularly known represents OgoOluwa/Surulere federal constituency.
While speaking with journalists, the former council chairman said the bill was initiated with an independent mind and a view to make the council be in tune with current realities in the media industry. This, he said, is without infringing on the freedom of expression, as well as unhindered flow of information among Nigerians.
Reacting to comments from the public about the bill, the All Progressives Congress, APC,chieftain maintained that the call for the establishments of press code is to protect and guide the council to checkmate and reduce quackery and merchants of fake news as well as promoters of hate speech which, he said, is already affecting the integrity of the noble profession of media practices in Nigeria.
He explained that the bill is not controversial.
“It is those who are reacting to the bill who are with little or no insight into what the bill entails that are causing confusion.
“Specifically the bill, in section 2, attempts to amend the existing section by substituting section 2 for a new section 2 by separating the council from the board to the council, where the council, to be headed by the executive secretary, will be responsible for the day to day administration of the council.
He added that “The board to the council will comprise of representatives from all stakeholders, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Editors, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigerian (NPAN), Members of the Public etc. This is as applicable in a sister agency like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). In essence, the two important bodies will exist simultaneously and in their respective capacities.
“Furthermore, the increase in fine and penalties for persons/individuals or body corporate(s) that violates any of the provisions of the laws are mere upgrading as these fines are already in the existing Press Council Act, they were only raised to reflect the current situation.
“In essence, a deep study of the bill shows that there is no where the bill removed, modified or tampered with any section or sub-section of the existing Press Council Act where Media Freedom and that of expression is provided.
“However, the best way to have an objective analysis on the document is to first of all understand where the intent originates and where it intends to go.
“Hon Olusegun Odebunmi is an organic democrat, a believer in press freedom and a supporter of media industry without quackery interference,” he added.
