The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has apologised to the broadcast industry, the people of Enugu State and the listening public over the invasion of Urban Radio by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs of NBC, Mrs Susan Obi, on Monday in Abuja.
She said the commission received with dismay the incursion into Urban Radio 94.5 FM Enugu on October 14 by operatives of EFCC during a live radio programme.
According to her, the incursion, which was purportedly to arrest the programme’s presenter, Favour Ekoh, was viewed as a violation of the professional ethics of broadcasting, especially on a live broadcast.
Obi added that how the arrest was carried out was improper, adding that the action was regrettable, considering the impact of the broadcast media on society.
“NBC differs with the manner of approach deployed by the anti-graft agency, which could have led to public disorder, disturbance, aggravated mass panic and hysteria.
“While the NBC appreciates EFCC for fighting financial crimes, it hereby expresses heartfelt apologies to the listening public, the people of Enugu State, and the entire broadcast industry for the incident,” Obi said.
She implored the general public, at this point, to be law-abiding while the law takes its course, urging media professionals to continue upholding ethical standards while discharging their responsibility.