Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the verdict of the Federal High Court declaring the proceedings of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in the imposition of fines on radio broadcasting stations in the country.
On Wednesday, the court declared void the provision of NBC’s code that authorizes it to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged violations of the code.
Atiku, in a press release from his media office on Thursday, said the court ruling is an enhancement of the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.
He said the ruling of the Federal High Court on the dictatorial practices of NBC will ensure that the media in Nigeria is not muzzled and that citizens can enjoy their right to freedom of expression.
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“I have read reports on the ruling of a Federal High Court presided over by Honorable Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia on the appropriateness of NBC imposing fines on broadcasting stations for their editorial content.
“I am pleased to announce my support for the court’s ruling. I am even more happy that this ruling further boosts the spirit of democratic norms in our political body.
“While I commend the court for this bold decision, it is fitting that we all recognize the bravery of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) for having our laws tested in this draconian practice by the regulatory body,” Atiku said.
It will be recalled that NBC fined some media outlets N5 million for a documentary depicting the sorry state of insecurity in Nigeria in the year 2022.