Nigeria Press Organisation Resolves NBC-AIT Rift
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO), has waded into the rift between the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and DAAR Communications PLC, owners of AIT-Ray Power and directed the NBC to immediately lift the suspension of the broadcast license of DAAR Communications Plc.
Similarly, DAAR Communications Plc was equally directed by the NPO to withdraw its case against the NBC in court.
The meeting which took place on Sunday in Abuja and attended by elders and patrons of the NPO, further urged all parties to take necessary steps to work together to build confidence in the public interest.
The NPO meeting followed the suspension of the Broadcast License of DAAR Communications owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM.
Present at the meeting were former President of the NPAN, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua and Uncle Sam Amuka, Chairman and publisher of Vanguard newspapers.
Also in attendance were the Director General of the NBC, Mr. Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu , Chairman Emeritus and Founder of DAAR Communications PLC, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of the Board of DAAR Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, Group Managing Director of AIT, Mr Tony Akiotu, Managing Director of AIT, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi, Company Secretary of DAAR Communications, Barrister Donatus Anopuo, and the President of NPAN and NPO, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, who chaired the meeting.
At the meeting the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), restated its commitment to freedom of expression and the constitutionally guaranteed role of the media under sections 22 and 39 to hold governments accountable, which states amongst others that the press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media are to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in the 1999 constitution and ensure the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.
The NBC however raised concerns about the non-adherence of the DAAR Communications group (AIT/Ray Power) to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, in spite of repeated interactions on same.
It cited lack of editorial balance by DAAR Communications as well as the lingering issue of non-payment of national network license fees by DAAR Communications.
But in its presentation. DAAR Communications Plc. defended its position, stressing that it gives its team freedom to make editorial commentary on issues of the day by relying on Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
DAAR Communications further stated that it had made some payments on account to the NBC but acknowledged that there were some defaults in the payment plan they submitted which were due to decisions jointly reached at BON meetings by all broadcasters to engage and renegotiate the cost of license fees with NBC, in view of the current difficult economic realities affecting the industry.
The NBC however insisted that license fees are statutory and thus non-negotiable.
After an exhaustive dialogue, all parties RESOLVED as follows:
Accordingly, DAAR Communications Plc was advised to work out a new realistic payment plan with the NBC and ensure prompt payment in accordance with the new plan.
A statement issued at the end of the meeting, signed by the President of the NPO, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, also advised DAAR Communications Plc to appoint an Ombudsman to ensure balance in its news coverage especially political commentary just as it will also take full editorial responsibility for the use of content sourced from social media outlets.
