The Security Situation Room has criticised a recent position attributed to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), insisting that no regulation can override citizens’ constitutional right to hold and express opinions.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Convener of the group, Douglas Ogbamkwa, said the organisation was concerned by what it described as a “false declaration” suggesting that broadcasters in Nigeria cannot present opinions as facts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ogbamkwa described the NBC’s stance as “an unfortunate slide to the abyss of dictatorship” and a reminder of Nigeria’s authoritarian past, stressing that the country remains a democracy governed by laws and the Constitution.
“The Security Situation Room is inundated with the false declaration of the National Broadcasting Commission that broadcasters in Nigeria cannot hold opinions as facts in the run-up to the 2027 elections,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s democracy was hard fought for by citizens, including the current President, and should not be undermined by the actions of public officials.
“A state is built on strong systems and not strong individuals. You uphold the law whether it favours you or not for the certainty of outcomes,” he stated.
The convener maintained that fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech, thought and expression, are inalienable and cannot be curtailed except in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“The reason it is called human rights is that the rights are congenital; they come with birth. The NBC should withdraw the disgraceful comments and issue an apology to Nigerians. It is more in the interest of the government to follow the law,” Ogbamkwa said.
He warned that failure to adhere to the rule of law could plunge society into a state of disorder, noting that both government and citizens are bound by the law.
While defending press freedom, Ogbamkwa also urged broadcasters to exercise responsibility and fairness in their commentaries.
“We call on broadcasters to be fair in their comments, as where their rights stop is where the rights of others start. There are laws in Nigeria that protect citizens against false claims and the state against divisive comments. We must therefore find a balance in the conversation. Our interest is freedom with responsibility,” he added.
