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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.
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IWD: My greatest investments are my three daughters – Otedola
Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
“My greatest investments are my three daughters who make me proud every day. Happy International Women’s Day my angels,” wrote the billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.
His three daughters are Tolani, Florence (DJ Cuppy) and Temi.
The Chairman of First Holdco Plc stated this in an X post on Sunday to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The billionaire’s daughters are high flyers in various areas of personal endeavour. Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has named Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), the official spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment follows Disu’s recent assumption of office as the 23rd substantive IGP after confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.
Placid replaces Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, who served in the role for about six months under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Hundeyin’s tenure ended as part of a wider administrative reshuffle aimed at boosting efficiency, professionalism, and accountability within the Force.
DCP Placid, a seasoned senior officer, now assumes responsibility for the Force’s public communications, media engagement, and strategic messaging amid ongoing national security challenges.
Police authorities confirmed the appointment earlier today, with expectations that the new spokesperson will prioritize transparency, public trust, and stronger citizen-police relations.
Further details on Placid’s career background and the IGP’s specific directives are expected in forthcoming official statements from Force Headquarters.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep shock and profound sorrow over the sudden passing of one of its dedicated and highly respected chieftains, Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, who died at the age of 54.
In a press statement released today, the party described Dr. Dunkwu as an energetic, selfless, and fiercely loyal member whose tireless efforts played a major role in building and consolidating the APC’s structures in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State, and across broader regions.
Dr. Dunkwu passed away on March 7, 2026, after a brief illness. At the time of his death, he was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON.
He had previously held the position of Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
A devout Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC), Dr. Dunkwu was also the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation (NAqF), where he passionately advocated for the development of aquatic sports, grassroots talent nurturing, and youth empowerment.
Known for his vibrant life of public service and philanthropy, his contributions extended far beyond politics into community development and national sports administration.
The APC noted that his untimely departure has left “a yawning void that will be difficult to fill,” and emphasized that his legacy of dedication, loyalty, and service will be deeply missed by the party and the nation.
The party prayed for divine strength for his immediate family to bear the irreparable loss, and extended condolences to all APC members in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State, and across the country during this period of grief.
The statement closed with a poignant farewell: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home…
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.
”Fare thee well, dear compatriot!
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