Peace has returned between the National Broadcasting Organisation and Daar Communication following an intervention by the Nigerian Press Organisation.
Both had been at war since about a week ago when the NBC shut down Daar’s ‘African Independent Television’ and ‘RayPower FM’, due to alleged infractions.
The media house had, however, quashed the closure through a court injunction.
There have been further accusation after this.
But the war seems over as the NPO drew the parties to a dialogue on Monday.
The NPO comprises the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
According to a statement signed by the NPO President, Nduka Obaigbena, both parties have agreed to sheathe their swords.
As a result, the statement said, Daar Communications would withdraw the case it instituted against the NBC in court while the commission would also rescind its suspension of AIT and Raypower 100.5FM.
Also at the meeting were Daar Communications Chairman, Dr Raymond Dokpesi; the Director-General, NBC, Kawu Modibbo, Founder, Vanguard Group, Sam Amuka-Pemu and Chairman, Bulet International Construction Company, Isa Funtua; and other employees of Daar Communications.
The statement read in part, “Following this NPO statement, the NBC will immediately lift the suspension of the broadcast license of DAAR Communications Plc. DAAR Communications Plc. will withdraw its case in court, against the NBC and all parties will take necessary steps to work together to build confidence in the public interest.
“DAAR Communications Plc. will work out a new realistic payment plan with the NBC and ensure prompt payments in accordance with the new plan.
“DAAR Communications Plc. 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.”
Earlier in the meeting, the NBC restated its commitments to freedom of expression and the constitutionally guaranteed role of the media under sections 22 and 39 to hold governments accountable.
Reports add that 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.
But 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.
