The federal government of Nigeria has suspended two officials of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria—ARCON for approving the ‘All Eyes On The Judiciary’ billboard advertisement.
The suspension is coming after it also disbanded the Secretariat of the Advertising Standard Panel—ASP on Tuesday following the advert that has been adjudged by individuals sympathetic to the ruling party as controversial.
Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON confirmed the suspension in a statement obtained by News Band.
He said suspended officials are the Director and Deputy Director Regulations of the council.
Fadolapo said the advertisement is considered blackmail against the Nigerian Judiciary, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and particularly the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal who are expected to discharge their judicial functions without fear or favour over a matter that is pending in the court.
The statement reads, “The Council would set up a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the “erroneous approval” of one of the concepts of the advert and the breach of the vetting guidelines.
“Consequently, the Director and Deputy Director, Regulations have also been suspended. The suspension is to enable an unprejudiced investigation of the issue. The Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) Secretariat failing to diligently exercise its function as the gatekeeper of advertising, advertisement, and marketing communications is hereby dissolved.”
—