Censorship Killing Broadcasting, Says Delta Commissioner

Delta State commissioner for public information and works (rural roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has raised concern about media censorship, saying it was negatively affecting the broadcasting industry.

He spoke to journalists at the Delta Broadcast Media Conference 2025 held in Asaba yesterday.

He said the media must be allowed to function freely while also being guided by ethics, laws and a sense of responsibility.

According to him, Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates the media to hold government accountable to the people.

Aniagwu emphasised that censorship in its various forms, whether by government, regulatory bodies, or even self-censorship by journalists was harmful to press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“There are different forms of censorship. Sometimes, government policies prevent people from expressing themselves, even within the law. Other times, regulatory agencies like the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) may stop broadcasters from covering topics that are not harmful to society.

“There’s also self-censorship, where journalists working with government-owned media avoid airing the truth because of fear or pressure. We have a duty to be responsible. The social responsibility theory of the media emphasizes the need to share information that helps society grow. Reports must be checked thoroughly before being made public, especially by trained journalists.

That’s the major difference between conventional media and social media,” Aniagwu added.

He pointed out that social media platforms often ignore journalistic standards, spreading information without checks or responsibility, which can lead to misinformation and confusion.

Addressing journalists directly, he said the media must train and retrain their staff to maintain professionalism.

“Some reporters believe that holding a camera gives them power to harass or ambush public officials. That’s wrong. The power given to journalists by the constitution must be used wisely, not for personal attacks or revenge,” he warned.

Mr. Aniagwu also addressed issues surrounding the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, particularly the complaints that information requests in Delta state take up to 90 days, rather than the seven days allowed under the federal law.

“We try to make information available, but only when it is complete and verified. For example, if a budget is still being processed and someone asks for it, we can’t release it because it’s not yet official. Sharing it early could lead to the spread of wrong information,” he said.

He likened this to naming an unborn baby, saying, “You don’t name a child that is still in the womb. Only after birth can you officially give it a name. The same goes for government information—it must be ready before being shared.”

The commissioner called for a balance between media freedom and responsibility, urging journalists to use their platforms to promote truth, accountability, and societal development.