The Commissioners of the Independent Media Communication has on the 9th of February met with the Chief Justice, Desmond Babatunde Edwards to strengthen enforcement of the newly amended IMC Act of 2020.
The visit by the media regulating body according to an update from the Communication unit of the judiciary was a follow up on an earlier request made for a “draft warrant” to shut down the operations of media houses that failed to comply with their orders and directives pursuant to sections 16(1) of the IMC Act.
In his presentation, Commissioner, Ansu Baatilo Lansana Esq said the commission has done its own part but needed to get the Chief Justice to support them in strengthening the amended IMC Act with the implementation of a Warrant from the Court.
Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards said the new IMC Act under Section 16(2) provides for the issuance of a warrant by the High Court to shut down non-compliant media institutions but failed to detail the procedure in the Court to securing such warrants after failure of the institution to comply with the IMC’s Orders or directions.
The Chief Justice stated that while the power resides with the Court, he will give out practical directions or guidelines that would ensure that ex-parte applications are made to a Judge in Chambers supported by an affidavit justifying the need for the warrant to entertain such applications for warrants to be issued.
He added that he will assign special judges to be handling these types of Applications.
He assured the IMC Commissioners of the Judiciary’s undaunted support in the discharge of their duties.
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