RATTAWU kicks against N5m hate speech fine

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has urged the Federal Government to reverse the fine of N5 million for hate speech to the previously N500, 000 until it is backed by law.

The union, in a statement on Tuesday by its General Secretary Akpausoh Akpausoh, said it was yet to come across any offence in the laws of Nigeria known as hate speech.

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He said the pronouncement might be deemed as being directed to gag the press and discourage freedom of speech in the country.

He termed it as ridiculous and very arbitrary as stakeholders were not fully consulted.

He said: “Taking a look at Section 2 of NBC Act, there is no provision for payment of financial penalties in the Act.

“The Act allows the NBC with the powers to regulate and control the Broadcasting Industry, establish and disseminate a National Broadcasting Code and set a standard with regards to content and quality of materials for broadcast among other issues.”