The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, over the N5 million fine on Channels Television.
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, the plaintiffs argue that the NBC code used to impose the fine is “inconsistent and incompatible with access to information and media freedom.” They further argue that the NBC Act and Broadcasting Code should not be used in a manner that restricts freedom of expression and access to information in a democratic society.
According to the plaintiffs’ lawyers, the grounds for imposing the N5m fine, Channels TV, fail to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. They argue that any restriction on freedom of expression must meet these requirements. The regulation of broadcasting should aim to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.
The plaintiffs maintain that the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general and public interest. Imposing any fine without due process of law is arbitrary and unconstitutional, contravening the fundamental principles of justice and fairness.
In summary, the lawsuit filed by SERAP and CJID against President Buhari, NBC, and Mr. Lai Mohammed seeks to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the N5 million fine imposed on Channels TV. The plaintiffs argue that the NBC code used to impose the fine is inconsistent with access to information and media freedom and seek an order compelling NBC to reverse its decision and set aside the fine.
