National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcasters and journalists to shun hate speech and inflammatory remarks ahead of the forthcoming general election to ensure peace and harmony in the country.

The zonal director, NBC, Kaduna zone, Mallam Jamilu Yahaya Jega gave the warning yesterday in Kaduna at a 1-day media conference organised by Inter-faith Mediation Centre (IMC) in collaboration with National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) with the theme, “Understanding Broadcasting Code for Effective Broadcast Towards 2023 General Elections.”

He said the essence of the event is to enlighten broadcasters on how to go about their jobs as it relates to political broadcast.

He urged broadcasters and journalists to ensure peace and harmony while carrying out their duties.

“We are encouraging broadcasters to do what is expected of them, because in a situation where there is no peace, there would be breakdown of laws and orders. Avoid hate speech, inflammatory and divisive remarks.

“I charge all of you to enlighten/educate people on how to go about their daily activities, tell people what is expected of them because without doing such, you are not helping the matters. You are the eyes and ears of the people,” he said.

The co-executive director of IMC, Imam Muhammad Nuruyn Ashafa, urged journalists to reflect on the code of conduct of journalism.

He cautioned politicians and religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, saying that they should not cause harm with their preaching.

On his part, the executive vice chairman, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Dr Saleh Momale, said the commission is working with all stakeholders, political parties, media houses and religious leaders to ensure violence free elections.

“Very soon, we are inaugurating a campaign and monitoring team that will put an eye to what is happening in the state,” he said.