NBC, DAAR rift’ll be resolved – Dokpesi

  • Founder of DAAR Communications, Operators of AiT and Raypower FM, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has assured that the rift between his organisation and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) would be resolved amicably.Dokpesi stated while receiving a delegation of South-South Media Professionals, led by its Protem President, Comrade Victorson Agbenson, on a solidarity visit to DAAR Headquarters, Monday in Abuja.He said the stakeholders in the industry had waded into the crisis, noting that their efforts to resolve the matter was appreciated by both DAAR Communications and the NBC.While restating the organisation’s commitment to the pursuit of truth, Dokpesi harped on the need for industry stakeholders to facilitate review of some aspects of the NBC laws and codes which were obsolete.
  • Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Agbenson said they were at DAAR Communications to show concern to the establishment over its travails with the NBC.He stressed the need for NBC not to lose sight of the imperatives of a free press in a democratic society, even as the commission strives to enforce laws and codes.
  • According to him, “For us, we are not here to look at the facts of the matter since it is still in court. But we are here to show our concern to our colleagues who work with this great establishment that has provided the bulwark and bastion of alternative views in the country.“Many comments have been made since this issue broke out but I like what Comrade Emmanuel Igbini, a fellow unionist and administrator said: We who have become ‘big men’ through activism owe our gratitude to AIT and Raypower and to protect the stations.”Speaking further, he said: “That is why regulation has to be corrective and not punitive or high handed. Regulation is a job for very patient, mature, listening and independent experts or technocrats.“Media regulation is a task for men and women who understand and recognise the role of free press in a democratic society, let me emphasis a free press in a democratic society.“…We stand where the NUJ our parent body and NGE in their caution against anti free speech moves. Whatever threatens AIT is a threat to the very foundation of press freedom in Nigeria.”

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