ABUJA/Nigeria: In a scathing condemnation of recent actions by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communications to Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of veering toward authoritarianism and suppressing freedom of speech.
The controversy arose from the dismantling of billboards featuring the slogan “All Eyes on The Judiciary,” which according to Shaibu, starkly exposes Tinubu’s alleged disregard for democratic principles.
Shaibu’s comments came in response to ARCON’s directive to remove all billboards displaying the aforementioned phrase across the country. The Advertising Standard Panel, tasked with ensuring ad compliance with prevailing laws and ethical codes, was also disbanded by ARCON. This move by the regulatory body has ignited concerns about stifling expression and curbing critical discourse.
Arguing that the incident underscores the necessity of resolving election disputes before the inauguration of questionable winners, Shaibu raised questions about the perceived threat posed by a message like “All Eyes on the Judiciary.” He contended that such a message is merely a call for attention to the justice system’s proceedings and does not imply any form of societal threat.
“The advertisers of the billboards only did what the norm is in civilized climes,” Shaibu stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the justice system. He also pointed out the irony that both Tinubu and his party, the APC, are subjects of ongoing court cases, making their discomfort with the message seem peculiar.
Drawing parallels between ARCON’s actions and the actions of Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), Shaibu accused Tinubu of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies and misusing his position. He suggested that the directive to remove the billboards is indicative of a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices, as seen in LASAA’s alleged practices of denying opposition parties the right to advertise.
Challenging Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Shaibu highlighted his history of supporting democracy, including funding the June 12 struggle, before transforming into what he perceives as an intolerant authoritarian post-election. This, he noted, is incongruent with Tinubu’s concurrent championing of democracy in Niger.
Furthermore, Shaibu criticized Tinubu’s supposed interest in regulating social media, interpreting it as an attempt to conceal his administration’s failures and suppress public discontent. He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant against actions that could undermine the democratic fabric of the nation.
In a period marked by economic challenges and social unrest, Shaibu’s critique is emblematic of the broader debate over the balance between democratic rights and government control in Nigeria. As the nation navigates these complex issues, voices like Shaibu’s continue to underscore the importance of upholding democratic values and safeguarding freedom of expression.
