DAAR to appoint ombudsman as NPO, BON broker peace with NBC

Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Communications

Raymond Dokpesi: owner of DAAR Communications

Raymond Dokpesi: owner of DAAR Communications to appoint ombudsman in truce with NBC brokered by NPO, BON

The umbrella Nigerian Press Organisation and Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria have resolved the dispute between the National Broadcasting Organisation and Daar Communications over the suspension of the latter’s operational licence.

One of the high points of the truce was that DAAR, owner of AIT/Ray Power will appoint an Ombudsman to ensure balance in its programmes and news.

In a statement on Monday signed by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, President Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria(NPAN) and the umbrella Nigerian Press Organisation, which comprises the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the NUJ, the NBC agreed to restore DAAR’s operational licence.

“DAAR Communications Plc. will withdraw its case in court, against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and all parties will take necessary steps to work together to build confidence in the public interest”, Obaigbena said about other resolutions.

The peace meeting held in Abuja on Sunday night and was hosted by patrons of NPO, Mal. Ismaila Isa and Uncle Sam Amuka.

Nduka Obaigbena: arranged the peace meeting between Daar and NBC

Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu, Director General & CEO, NBC and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, Chairman of the Board, DAAR Communications Plc; Mr Tony Akiotu, GMD, DAAR Communications Plc; Mrs Tosin Dokpesi , MD, AIT also attended the meeting.

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“At the meeting the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) restated their commitments 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 also raised concerns about the non-adherence of the DAAR Communications group (AIT/Ray Power) to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, despite repeated interactions on same; the NBC then 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.

“DAAR Communications Plc. defended its position saying 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 stated it had made some payments on account to the NBC but acknowledged that there were some defaults in the payment plan they submitted to the NBC, and explained that the defaults 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. But the NBC insists that license fees are statutory and thus non-negotiable.

After an exhaustive dialogue, all parties resolved that DAAR Communications Plc. will work out a new realistic payment plan with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and ensure prompt payments in accordance with the new plan.

DAAR will appoint an Ombudsman to ensure balance in its news coverage especially political commentary; it will also take full editorial responsibility for the use of content sourced from social media outlets.

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