By In a fresh development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing its recent directives to threaten or sanction broadcast stations and presenters over alleged infractions such as expressing personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the interim injunction Monday, May 4, after considering an ex parte motion filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), argued by their counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
Recall that AfrikTimes reported on April 27 that both organisations have filed a suit against NBC. The suit challenges what both organisations described as “an arbitrary and unlawful attempt” by the NBC to penalise broadcasters under “vague and overly broad provisions” of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Justice Osiagor, in his ruling said: “It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Defendant [NBC], its Officers, agents, privies, assigns, associates or any other person or group of persons from enforcing, imposing sanctions, or levying fines on any broadcasting station based on the provisions of Sections 1.10.3, 3.3.1(b), 3.4.1(b), 5.3.3(b), 3.1.1, 3.11.1(a), 5.4.1(f), 3.11.1(b), and 5.5.1(b) of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.
Reacting to the ruling, SERAP and NGE in a joint statement described the court’s decision as “a significant victory for freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law in Nigeria.” They noted that the ruling affirms the fundamental principle that regulatory powers must be exercised within constitutional limits.
The groups also urged the NBC to “immediately comply with the court’s order,” as the case proceeds.
