Broadcasting
Court Extends Order Stopping Buhari, NBC from Shutting down AIT, 52 Other Stations
The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended the order stopping President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country, and shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.
Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) had on 29 August 2022 granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The order was granted pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
When the case came up before the Court for hearing today, Honourable Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor extended the order of interim injunction pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice, and adjourned the case to 26th October 2022 for the hearing of the originating summons.
The Court extended the order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument by SERAP and NGE counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.
SERAP and NGE had in August filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”
In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”
The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1582/2022, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down is not in inconsistent with freedom of expression and access to information.”
SERAP and NGE are also seeking “a declaration that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of the broadcast stations and shutdown the stations is a violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to fair hearing.”
The suit, read in part: “The provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties on freedom of expression indicate that this right can be exercised through any medium.
“Effectively, these provisions recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.
“The use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.
“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.
“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.
“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.
“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.
“Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.
“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.
“The media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.
“The Plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.
“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.
“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.
“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.
“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”
Women Radio 97.1, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, has made history by unveiling “NIM”, Nigeria’s first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant.’
The unveiling took place during the 2024 Women Radio Summit, signalling a transformative era for radio broadcasting in Nigeria.
The initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence into traditional radio broadcasting, represents a paradigm shift in how radio content is created, distributed, and consumed. In her welcome message, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 97.1, shares her aims to inspire others into AI’s future, expand access to reliable information, and enhance the listener experience by blending advanced technology with human-centred communication.
The event featured some keynote speeches from:
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Network, emphasised the role of science and technology in empowering women and reshaping media landscapes.
Adedeji Adekunle, programmes director of the Nigeria Media Innovation Program, discussed the critical intersection of AI, innovation, and media development in Nigeria. As well as
Sam Onigbanjo, managing director of AI Academy for Beginners, enumerates ways to upskill for maximum integration.
The summit featured an insightful panel discussion on how artificial intelligence can enhance journalism and broadcasting while upholding ethics and professionalism. Esteemed panellists included:
Motunrayo Alaka, executive director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, stressed the need for maintaining ethical standards in AI-driven journalism.
Kayode Okikiolu, a Channels TV anchor, discussed the integration of AI in traditional media formats to engage broader audiences and highlighted AI’s potential in diversifying content delivery and improving inclusivity in media.
A highly recommended fact-checking resource was the Dubawa.ai chatbot, an app that was showcased at the summit to verify and debunk misinformation, analyse, transcribe, and document files in archives. It is the radio monitoring feature, an initiative of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
‘NIMI’, the Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, is the brainchild of technical engineer Tayo Kalejaiye.
This revolutionary AI radio host is designed to provide seamless interactions with listeners, offering valuable resources, news updates, and support for both on-air and online delivery. By combining AI with traditional broadcasting, ‘NIMI’ aims to enhance accessibility, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified and underserved communities are reached.
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.
Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.
On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.
His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.
“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.
“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.
Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”
QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.
“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.
“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”
QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.
Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
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