The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria has taken swift action by suspending two senior officials involved in approving the contentious ‘All Eyes on Judiciary’ billboard advertisement located in Abuja.
This decision follows the dissolution of the Advertising Standard Panel Secretariat by the Federal Government due to its endorsement of billboards that raised concerns over potential manipulation of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal with the message: ‘All Eyes on The Judiciary.’
In an official statement, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, confirmed the suspension of the officials. The suspended individuals hold the positions of Director and Deputy Director of Regulations within the council.
The advertisement’s content has ignited apprehension as it appears to exert undue influence on the Nigerian Judiciary, particularly the Honourable Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, who are tasked with delivering unbiased verdicts in ongoing cases.
Dr. Fadolapo disclosed that an investigative committee will be assembled to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the approval of the advertisement concept and the subsequent violation of vetting guidelines.
As a precautionary measure, the Director and Deputy Director of Regulations have been temporarily suspended to ensure an impartial inquiry into the matter.
The decision to dissolve the Advertising Standards Panel Secretariat, which is responsible for overseeing advertising and marketing communications, was prompted by concerns about its perceived lapse in fulfilling its gatekeeping responsibilities.
