Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has lodged an urgent petition with the National Broadcasting Commission, citing Arise Television’s morning show broadcast on December 19, 2023, as a cause for deep concern. Allegedly, the presenters made egregiously false statements about the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.
Truth Live News gathered that during the broadcast, Arise TV claimed that the Minister advocated for tax exemption for Nigerian women and aired a video, purportedly doctored, where she allegedly stated that she herself should be exempt from taxes. Such assertions, lacking any substantiating evidence, are not only factually inaccurate but pose a severe threat to the Minister’s reputation.
An additional instance of alleged misinformation by Arise TV occurred during the coverage of the Anambra Investment Summit on September 18, 2023. The Minister’s statement on integrating practical skills into the secondary school curriculum was reportedly misrepresented, falsely implying advocacy for child labor.
The petition contended that such misleading information on a national platform breaches journalistic ethics and the broadcasting code of conduct. The deliberate fabrication of false information by Arise TV risks undermining public trust in both the media and the government, potentially eroding confidence in democratic institutions.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs urged the National Broadcasting Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The investigation should identify the source and nature of the doctored video, query Arise TV, and impose sanctions if necessary. Additionally, Arise TV is requested to provide the unedited video clip where the Minister allegedly stated that women should be exempt from paying taxes.
The public’s right to accurate and unbiased information was emphasized, asserting the need for accountability when media organizations deviate from these standards. The results of the investigation and measures taken to address the alleged violations would be communicated to the public promptly.
The Ministry trusts that the National Broadcasting Commission will carry out an impartial investigation to preserve the credibility of the media industry and uphold the public’s right to accurate and fair information.
Accept the assurances of the highest esteem of the Honourable Minister.
