Removal of ‘all eyes on judiciary’ billboards is assault on free speech, says Atiku’s aide

Phrank Shaibu, an aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on communications, says the removal of some billboards across the country is an assault on freedom of speech.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) had ordered the removal of “All Eyes on the judiciary” billboards sponsored by a group known as the Diaspora’s for Good Governance.

The advertisements were put up as the presidential election tribunal prepares to deliver its verdict on the petitions challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the general election.

ARCON also dissolved its Advertising Standards Panel for approving billboards targeted at the presidential election petition tribunal.

In a statement on Tuesday, Shaibu said those behind the advert did not do anything wrong.

“The basic principle of social justice is about the people. The advertisers of the billboards only did what the norm is in civilized climes,” he said.

“It was the agents working to impress an interest that read meanings to that innocuous advert. Otherwise, it is a basic principle that eyes must be on the wheel of justice.

“Eyes must naturally be on the wheel of justice because when justice is delivered, it must be seen to have been just!

“In any case, both Tinubu and the APC are before the same court. It is curious how they find this particular message upsetting.

“Anyway, even if they pull down the billboards, they can never stop all eyes from being on the judiciary at this historic time.

“Billboards are used in displaying educational messages. Is there any offence in alerting Nigerians to the fact that all eyes should indeed be on the judiciary?”