Atiku Abukakar, a former vice president has lauded the recent verdict of a federal high court quashing the powers of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to impose fine on television and radio stations.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last year’s election said the ruling will further enhance democracy as well as the promotion of free press in the country.
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobi of a federal high court, Abuja had earlier in the week stopped the NBC from imposing fines on broadcasting houses in the country for violating its codes.
In the last few years, the regulator had sanctioned some media houses including AIT, Arise Television, TVC, amongst others for allegedly running foul of its rules.
The sanction had drawn condemnation from not a few Nigerians who described the action as media censorship.
Reacting to the court judgment, Abubakar said it will further strengthen democracy in the country.
The former number two citizen also lauded the Media Rights Agenda for dragging the NBC to court over the matter.
Abubakar said, “I have read reports about the judgement by a Federal High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia concerning the propriety of the NBC issuing fines to broadcast stations upon their editorial contents.
“I am happy to announce my support for the judgement of the court. I am even happier that the said judgement will further boost the ethos of democratic norms in our body politics.
“While I commend the court for this bold decision, it is adequate that we all recognize the courage of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) for having tested our laws on this draconian practice by the regulatory body.”
