The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it will appeal the ruling of a Federal High Court Abuja nullifying its powers to impose fines on erring broadcast stations.
Its reaction to the Wednesday ruling by Justice James Omotosho was contained in a statement signed by its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Illelah.
Omotosho, while ruling on a suit filed by Incorporated Media Rights Agenda, declared that NBC is not a court and has no power to impose fines as punishment on broadcast stations.
He held that the NBC code, which gives the commission the power to impose a sanction, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution that vests judicial power in the court of law.
He added that the NBC, not being Nigerian police, has no power to conduct a criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.
But the NBC, in the statement on Friday in Abuja, said it has applied for a Certified Copy of the judgment.
“The commission will appeal against the judgment when found to be in conflict with previous judgment, which empowers NBC to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria,” the statement said.
– NAN