As reported by VANGUARD newspaper, in a bold and thought-provoking move, billboards emblazoned with the phrase ‘All Eyes on the Judiciary’ recently sprang up across Abuja, capturing the attention of citizens of the Federal Capital Territory. This statement has also found its way onto T-shirts and bags, worn by youths and women in various parts of the country, sparking discussions within Nigeria’s advertising and legal circles.
Promptly responding, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) labeled these billboards as offensive and mandated their immediate removal. Moreover, the suspension of top officials and the disbandment of the unit responsible for its approval, followed. This decision has raised concerns about its impact on freedom of speech and its potential influence on the forthcoming rulings in the 2023 election petition cases, leading to a nationwide conversation about the equilibrium between the freedom of expression and responsible advertising.
Reactions have varied, with some former state attorneys-general, lawyers, and activists criticizing the Federal Government for an unnecessary crackdown on the message. They argue that there is nothing derogatory about the billboards or the message they convey. Conversely, some citizens have defended the government’s stance, asserting that the billboards were superfluous.
Uwemedimo Nwoko, a former Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, asserted that the message held no negative undertones. Legal luminary Chief Ukpai Ukiro viewed the removal of the “All Eyes Are on The Judiciary” billboard as a sign of nascent dictatorship in Nigeria. A similar viewpoint was expressed by Abia-based legal practitioner Mr. Austin Mbaka, who labeled it a signal of peril for Nigerian democracy.
For Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Foundation, the slogan was far from being offensive. Festus Ogwuche, a legal practitioner, international law advocate, and social activist, considered it appropriate to keep the judiciary under scrutiny. Inibehe Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, stressed the significance of closely observing the judiciary ahead of the forthcoming judgments in the 2023 election petition cases.
Moses Monye, a rights advocate, expressed disappointment over the billboards’ removal, seeing them as a reminder for Nigerians to prioritize the judiciary’s role, especially concerning the upcoming verdicts. He called upon stakeholders to engage in open discussions about the state of the justice system and to ensure accountability.
Constitutional lawyer and activist Dr. Akpo Mudiaga-Odje advocated for erecting more billboards. Higher King, a human rights advocate and lawyer, criticized the Federal Government’s decision, asserting that attention should be directed towards the economy rather than unnecessary actions. He questioned the uproar surrounding the billboards, viewing it as encroaching on people’s rights.
Ex-militant leader Josiah Oyakonghan (Commander Oyimi) underlined the importance of vigilance towards the judiciary. However, retired President of the Delta State Area Customary Court Miakpo Emiaso found the billboards’ message inappropriate, particularly as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal remains active.
Oghenejabor Ikimi, a senior lawyer and activist, emphasized the necessity of allowing the Judiciary to function independently. Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Eric Omare maintained that the billboards were inappropriate, subtly pressuring judges and the judiciary in cases pending before the election tribunal.
Alagoa Morris, Program Manager/Head of ERA’s Niger Delta Resource Center in Bayelsa State, stated that those behind the billboards were attempting to exert undue pressure on judges and the judiciary.
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