AIT to withdraw suit against NBC ~ Truth Reporters
AIT to withdraw suit against NBC
Sequel to a peace meeting between the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and DAAR Communications Plc., owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM, the latter has agreed to withdraw their suit against the NBC.
The peace meeting was brokered by Nduka Obaigbena, President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Ismaila Funtua, Former President of NPAN; Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper; and was attended by Raymond Dokpesi, Founder of DAAR Communications; and Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu, Director-General of the NBC.
Truth Reporters, reports that the NBC raised concerns about the non-adherence of the DAAR Communications group (AIT/Ray Power) to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, despite repeated warnings on same; the NBC also 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.
In their defence, “DAAR Communications Plc. said it gives its team freedom to make editorial commentary on issues of the day relying on Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of Expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
DAAR further stated it had made some payments to the NBC but acknowledged that there were some defaults in the payment plan they submitted to the NBC, noting that the defaults were due to decisions jointly reached.
It would be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja Justice Ekwo had ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Attorney General of the Federation to appear before the court on Thursday, June 13 to show cause why the motion on notice by Daar Communications PLC, challenging the ban should not be granted.
Sequel to a peace meeting between the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and DAAR Communications Plc., owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM, the latter has agreed to withdraw their suit against the NBC.
The peace meeting was brokered by Nduka Obaigbena, President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Ismaila Funtua, Former President of NPAN; Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper; and was attended by Raymond Dokpesi, Founder of DAAR Communications; and Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu, Director-General of the NBC.
Truth Reporters, reports that the NBC raised concerns about the non-adherence of the DAAR Communications group (AIT/Ray Power) to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, despite repeated warnings on same; the NBC also 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.
In their defence, “DAAR Communications Plc. said it gives its team freedom to make editorial commentary on issues of the day relying on Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of Expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
DAAR further stated it had made some payments to the NBC but acknowledged that there were some defaults in the payment plan they submitted to the NBC, noting that the defaults were due to decisions jointly reached.
It would be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja Justice Ekwo had ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Attorney General of the Federation to appear before the court on Thursday, June 13 to show cause why the motion on notice by Daar Communications PLC, challenging the ban should not be granted.
Good one
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