News
Nigerian Guild of Editors Commends Federal High Court Over Perpetual Order Against NBC
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has commended the Federal High Court Abuja, over its order of perpetual injunctions restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country.
Ruling on originating motions marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1386/2021, instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda against the NBC – as sole respondent in the suit, Justice James Omotosho, also set aside the N500, 000 fines imposed on March 1, 2019 on each of 45 broadcast stations.
The judge also held that the NBC, not being a court of law, had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations.
He further held that the Nigeria Broadcast Code, which gives the commission the power to impose sanction, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.
In a statement signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Wednesday, the Guild saluted the courage of the MRA – for testing the draconian NBC Act, saying the judgement has vindicated the position of the editors that NBC could not appropriate the constitutional responsibility of the judiciary arm of government.
‘’Justice Omotosho’s ruling on Wednesday vindicated our consistent position over the years that the NBC cannot be the accuser, the investigator and the judge on matters relating to alleged breach of the Broadcast Code.
‘’Our position has always been that an independent body or institution should be the one to examine any perceived infraction by the broadcast stations, which should be given the opportunity to defend themselves.
‘’The court is right in its ruling – by saying that it would not sit idle and watch a body imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law’’, the Guild stated.
The court yesterday said that the commission did not comply with the law when it sat as a complainant and at the same time, the court and the judge on its own matter.
The judge agreed that the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, being a subsidiary legislation that empowers an administrative body such as the NBC to enforce its provisions cannot confer judicial powers on the commission to impose criminal sanctions or penalties such as fines.
He also agreed that the commission, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.
“This will go against the doctrine of separation of powers”, he said.
Justice Omotosho held that what the doctrine sought to achieve was to prevent tyranny by concentrating too much powers in one organ.
The umbrella of all the editors in Nigeria reiterated its earlier resolution to engage the incoming government and other stakeholders over the NBC Act and the Broadcast Code of Conduct – with the aim to amend and reform them to conform to the global best practices.
News
FG Stops NAFDAC From Enforcing Sachet Alcohol Ban
• Sachet alcohols; credit: Leadership
The Federal Government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.
The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
In a statement released on Monday by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the OSGF confirmed receipt of an official correspondence from the House Committee dated November 13, 2025.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter and urged caution in the proposed enforcement.
“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban are to be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.
The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement action taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or any other agency without due clearance and resolution from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be deemed invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.
The office assured Nigerians that it is conducting a comprehensive review of all relevant considerations, including legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and the broader national interest, to arrive at a balanced and lawful outcome.
It added that the public would be formally informed once a final position on the proposed ban has been reached.
Entertainment
City FM 105.1 Unveils Plans for Praise in the City 2025
City FM 105.1, Lagos’ leading lifestyle radio station, has announced the official press conference for its flagship annual event.
Praise in the City 2025 (PITC 2025) – a premier gospel music concert, worship experience, and family funfair.
The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Since launching in 2015, Praise in the City has evolved into the largest Christmas concert on the Lagos Mainland, attracting over 4,000 families each year for an uplifting atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and community bonding. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26), the free event has become a beloved tradition for families seeking a meaningful and joyous end-of-year celebration.
As a key pillar of City FM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Praise in the City extends beyond music to embody the spirit of giving. The event includes sharing gifts, meals, and joy with the less privileged, fostering unforgettable memories and social impact across Lagos.
“Praise in the City 2025: Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the largest annual praise concert and family funfair on the Lagos mainland.”
The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup of renowned gospel artists, including:
Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, Yinka Alaseyori, BJ Sax, Laurence and the Covenant, Lilian Nneji, Tosin Alao, Tony Adoki, and many more.
Music curation will be led by DJ Gosporella, joined by City FM’s resident DJs DJ OMG and DJ Gee Lincon, delivering a dynamic mix of praise, worship, and celebratory gospel vibes.
The press conference will reveal detailed program highlights, the full ministerial lineup, family-oriented activities, and City FM’s long-term vision for Praise in the City as a platform promoting faith, unity, and community outreach – especially meaningful as this marks the event’s 10th anniversary.
City FM extends a warm invitation to media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the public to join the press conference and contribute to the excitement leading up to this milestone celebration.

News
Supreme Court rules Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency
The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.
The Supreme Court, on Monday,upheld that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy.
The judgment delivered today, December 15, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Idris; held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where a state of emergency has been declared.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.
In a ruling of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s authority under the Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency.
The court further held that, during such a period, the President may suspend elected officials, provided any such suspension is for a limited duration.
He noted that the provision does not specify the exact nature of those extraordinary measures, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to act in such circumstances.
The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter in October.
The plaintiffs were the Attorneys-General of PDP-controlled states, while the defendants were the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
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