After Receiving Backlash, Odebunmi Says NPC Amendment Bill Is Not Anti-Free Press

The Chairman House of Reps Committee on Information National Orientation Ethics and Values, Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi has said the Intention Nigeria Press Council Amendment Bill is to remove the identified and existing hindrances and bottlenecks in it.

Odebunmi who represents OgoOluwa/ Surulere Federal constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly while speaking with journalist 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 without infringing on the Freedom of expression, as well as unhindered flow of information among Nigerians.

Reacting to the reactions from the public about the bill, the All Progressives Congress APC chieftain maintained that call for the establishments of Press code is to protect and guide the Council to checkmate and reduce quackery and merchants fake news as well as promoter of hate speech which is already affecting the integrity of the noble profession of media practices in Nigeria

Odebunmi who said the Bill is not controversial. It is those who are reacting to the bill with little or no insight into what the bill entails 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 which 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 will be represented and serve as a BOARD. 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.