The billboards carried the title: ‘All Eyes on The Judiciary.’
The Advertising Standard Panel (ASP) is an integral part of the Council with the responsibility of ensuring that advertisements adhere to the prevailing laws of the Federation and the Code of advertising ethics.
In an official statement, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), confirmed the dissolution of the ASP. Furthermore, Fadolapo announced the suspension of the Director and Deputy Director in charge of Regulations to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter.
The statement released by ARCON pointed out the reasons for the dissolution and suspension. According to the statement, the ASP erroneously approved one of the controversial concepts that failed to adhere to vetting guidelines. The primary concerns raised included:
- The central theme of the advertisement campaign is related to a matter that is currently pending before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, making it jus pendis.
- The Nigerian legal system prohibits public statements, debates, discussions, or advertisements related to matters that are awaiting judicial pronouncement.
- The advertisement is deemed controversial and has the potential to incite public unrest and breach of peace.
- The advertisement is seen as an attempt to blackmail the Nigerian Judiciary, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and the Justices of the Tribunal who are expected to execute their judicial duties impartially.
Dr Olalekan Fadolapo announced that a committee will be established to investigate the circumstances that led to the approval of the contentious concept and the breach of vetting guidelines.
The suspension of the Director and Deputy Director of Regulations is intended to ensure an unbiased inquiry.
Furthermore, in light of the Secretariat's failure to effectively fulfil its role as the gatekeeper of advertising, advertisement, and marketing communications, the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) Secretariat is disbanded.
This decision by the Federal Government reflects the significance of upholding ethical standards in advertising and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
The dissolution of the ASP Secretariat underscores the need for diligent oversight and adherence to established guidelines within the advertising industry to prevent any potential negative implications for the country's legal and social framework.