News
NBC code violates freedom of expression – ECOWAS court
The Court of the Economic Community of West African States sitting in Abuja had declared that the Nigerian Broadcasting Code used by the National Broadcasting Commission to impose sanctions and fines on broadcast stations violates freedom of expression.
The ECOWAS court made the declaration on October 23, in a judgment delivered in a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation, Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court held that the Nigerian government had failed in its responsibility to align its domestic legislation with its international obligations.
The applicant had challenged the use of the NBC Code by the Nigerian government to arbitrarily impose sanctions including fines against broadcast stations.
The court presided by Justice Dupe Atoki observed that in enacting laws “member states must give due consideration to its alignment with international guarantees and obligations like those under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.”
The applicant, represented by Solomon Okedara & Co, specifically challenged Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) 2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) that they contravene the principle of freedom of expression.
In its judgment, the court noted that Article 3(1) (1) of the Code is infinite in scope and therefore violates the provision of Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The court noted that the provisions of Article 3(1) (2) of the Code are too ambiguous and vague and can “lead to curtailment of the right to freedom of expression.”
The court also ordered that the Nigerian government aligns Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) in line with its obligations under Article 1 of the ACHPR and to cease giving effect to the provisions until it has aligned the same as ordered.
In May 2023, the Nigerian Guild of Editors commended the Federal High Court Abuja, for making an order of perpetual injunctions restraining the National Broadcasting Commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country.
The court, in a judgment in May by Justice James Omotosho, held that not being a court of law, NBC had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations.
A final-year student at Government Day Secondary School, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Miss Praise Malachi, tragically lost her life to flooding while rushing home to check her SSCE results, which a friend had told her were excellent.
The 16-year-old had earned a scholarship from the Centre for Girls Education, Zaria, in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.
Her father, Emmanuel Malachi, recounted that around 6:00 pm after heavy rain, Praise’s friends informed her at his shop about her results. Excited, she hurried home to check them on her phone but slipped while crossing a small river formed by severe erosion and was swept away by the floodwaters. Her body was recovered the next day in Hunkuyi, Kudan Local Government Area.
Neighbors Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi explained that the area’s worsening erosion has made it highly prone to flooding, with several children having lost their lives in similar incidents before.
Habiba Mohammed, Director of the Centre for Girls Education, described Praise as an exceptional student and expressed deep sorrow over her death. She urged authorities to address the erosion problem and build a bridge on the dangerous road to prevent further tragedies.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has instructed its field offices along the River Niger to enhance flood preparedness in response to rising water levels upstream in the Republic of Benin.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and begin relocating to safer, elevated areas.
Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states were identified as high-risk zones. She also called on state governments to strengthen their emergency response agencies and activate contingency plans.
News
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.
The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”
The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.
The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.
“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”
The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.
“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.
16-year-old student swept away by flood
Flood: NEMA issues new warning
Chinese national apprehended in Anambra for involvement in illegal mining.
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
International2 days agoTrump pledges to maintain federal forces in Washington amid mounting criticism.
-
Crime2 days agoFemale Corps Member Recalls Harrowing Assault by Anambra Security Forces
-
News2 days agoBREAKING: FG, state, local governments share N2.001trn July revenue
-
International2 days agoEducation: Denmark permitting use of AI for English exams from 2026
-
Politics3 days agoWhat ERGAF -Africa’s Report Reveals About Nigeria’s Lawmakers
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Jonathan Remains Silent as Northern Opposition Ramps Up Pressure
-
News2 days agoJapan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
-
News17 hours agoFlood: NEMA issues new warning