The ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja has ruled that that some sections of the Nigerian Press Council Act constitute a violation of citizens’ rights, including their right to freedom of expression, and must be immediately amended to align them with international best practices.
The court made the pronouncement in its judgement on a suit filed by two Nigerian journalists, Isaac Olamikan and Edoghogho Ugberease.
They had sued the Nigerian government, alleging that the Nigerian Press Council Act of 1992 was discriminatory and breached their right to freedom of expression.
The Nigerian Press Council established by the contested Act is a statutory organisation vested with the responsibilities of ensuring “the highest ethical and professional standards in the media.”
It is empowered by the law to conduct enquiries into complaints about the print media outlets and the conduct of any person or organisation towards the press, amongst other functions.
Delivering the court’s judgement on the suit on Friday, 24 November, a judge on the court’s panel, Dupe Atoki, declared that sections 19 (1)(a), 27 and 37 of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act failed to recognise public interest media including rights of online and citizen journalists.
Highlights of the decision are contained in a statement issued by the ECOWAS Court’s Communication Division on Sunday.
The statement said the three-member panel of the ECOWAS Court that decided the case comprised Ms Atoki, A Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Sengu M. Koroma (Member).
Specifically, Ms Atoki said the offending sections of the Nigerian law violate Article 9 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and Article 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.
In reaching its decision, the court acknowledged the impact of technology in the evolving media space with the advent of citizen journalism, influencers and content creators who share news, commentary, and analyses on social issues.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
