The proprietor of Daar Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi, has stated that Monday’s decision by the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to bar one of its subsidiaries, Africa Independent Television, from covering his activities was an attempt by the former military Head of State to bring back the era of Decree 4, according to an interview he granted Premium Times.
Mr. Dokpesi said Mr. Buhari lacks the power to stop the AIT from covering his activities, as doing so would amount to breaking the law.
“I am sure that the President-elect needs to be reminded of Decree 4, and he should be clearly reminded that section 32 of the constitution makes it mandatory for the media to hold public officials accountable to the people,” he said.
He also said Section 39 of the constitution equally grants Nigerians the freedom of expression and to hold opinion.
“The president-elect said that he does not want to be covered by AIT, but AIT has a responsibility to the Nigerian public to report the things that are happening,” he said.
“There are three national networks available for national coverage in Nigeria, the NTA, AIT and Silverbirds. You cannot stop a foremost private station from reporting in Nigeria, it brings us back to Decree 4 era.”
Mr. Dokpesi also acknowledged that Mr. Buhari may have taken his decision based on the documentaries ran by the station during the electioneering campaign.
He said Daar Communications is a commercial entity and therefore reserves the right to run anything it considers worthy of being televised. He said there is also a right of response available to anyone who feels strongly about any matter broadcast by the station.
“If they had produced their own documentary to say this is what we want and AIT did not publish it, then that is another matter,” he said.
“What is obviously very clear is the fact that AIT believes that the historical information about the President elect that were ran, were factually correct. Nothing was done to defame him or impinge on his character or integrity.”
Mr. Dokpesi also added that another documentary about one of the national leaders of APC, Bola Tinubu were also factually correct.
The media proprietor said although the documentaries were produced outside of Daar communications, “We take responsibility for the running of these items and I as an individual is satisfied because due diligence was followed in ensuring that the things that are contained were factually right”. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Oga at d top for AIT, tell Nigerians what you too were doing with soldiers in edo during the election you could have done worst things than GMB if u you had that opportunity. Kettle calling pot black.
ReplyDeleteHope you heard his party has come out with a statement on the matter mr public misleader.
This man Dopesi should stop taking Nigerians for a ride. All he did during the campaign was hateful. He should allow Nigerians to enjoy their hard earn victory and stop fouling the air again.
ReplyDeleteFirst before you say anything, please return the N2b given to you by the outgoing government, then you can talk. For whatever reason, GMB isn't comfortable with you crew and their hate journalism And has requested you be excused from his interviews.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious that someone has told you where to quote in the constitution, not like you've read the whole thing but I'd say stay out of his way because if I were him, I'd do more than just barring you. I'd sue you and make sure you pay dearly!
@1:29 pm Abeg u are too much jooor someone actually told him where to quote,he's a fool.
DeleteKeep talking, when u land in kirikiri u'll learn to shut up! Be warned ur paymaster is n"t gonna be able to bail u out.
ReplyDeleteThis is morning Buhari , let us see your change .AIT should cover all your program so that people will see your change .
ReplyDeleteThis is a man begging Nigerians for N100 each so that Ashaye Babinton will not declare AIT and RAYPOWER bankrupt some 15yrs ago. He is now using same platform to promote hatered and decit. If you dont desist from this, those Nigerians that contributed N100 for your so that your station will remain will equally bring the station down. Sunny Ade [KSA], call your friend and warn him.
ReplyDeleteLet him know and tell him that by the time he pays court penalty and fines he will sell all asset of AIT and RAYPOWER. He will then be begging for N10.00 to feed his family.
DeleteDokpesi has tried everything possible but never successful in politics. He loss when he contested in Edo north senatorial in 1993 as even his hometown Agenebode in
ReplyDeleteetsako east LGA didn't even vote for him. He has never respected his village elders. It's only in Jonathan administration dat person like him can make a noise. He was lucky to have escaped mob attack during just concluded elections as he tried to manipulate the people of Auchi on election day that he should have been in his place Agenebode
This Mumu Dokpesi should realise that not until May 29th when Buhari will be a Nigerian President, for now he is still a private man who have right to pick whoever he wants to cover his programs.
ReplyDeleteI am believing that Nigerianeye writes for APC because they always publish more of those comments that supports Buhari and abuse the present administration. You guys should grow up and be professional
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm Dokpesi does not even have a media aide at his level, he speaks himself. Don't worry 4 years of dry business is coming.
ReplyDeleteI dont intend to insult anybody but many of you write biased messages . The fact is our freedom of speech should not be attacked in any way does buhari want to destroy our freedom of speech. This is not Egypt and other nations where people are denied access to express themselves . Nothing is wrong with the documentary on Buhari evrything said was true also same thing with tinubu have you not seen a new write up from usa of how tinubu was involved in indian hemp racketeering at the states and other money laundering issues comitted. The fact is truth is bitter but it is also light many of you dont like d truth. If we have a generation of people that do not seek elements of truth from info they are given i wonder what future our collective efforts will hold. I am certainly sure come may 29 and beyond the APC will produce a documentary that will show GEJ administration in bad light .Then it will be aired via Tvc and the punch. I just pray we are not entering a phase of chaos in Nigeria .
ReplyDelete...how can you get jobs when people like Dokpesi is allowed to hold sway?
ReplyDeleteI knw the last comment here is very bastard person when you try to call income government a stupid. Your brother that rule us for good 6 year what is the achievement, Corruption everywhere, my friend go and sleep. Wereeeeee.
ReplyDeleteNigerians! Here you are again with unnecessary sentiment. Who's chasing who! The president Alhaji Buhari hasn't sent neigher did Ray! Why are you beating on the air? The President elect is representin Nigerians, and also AIT ie vis-a-vis. Be warned you that creat stages for confusion in this united country because the measure used to judge others would be used on you. Democracy is what Nigeria stand's that's we have president elect Alhaji Buhari to lead with transparency which I believe AIT as the organ of the people wouldn't bold enough to attack the government wirhout considering the effects its going to have on the government and the governed
ReplyDeleteThis is not a forum for hate, but intelligent and constructive criticism, 1st of all the electioneery campaign against President elect was it true or false, if it true why crucifying AIT. Media reports also critise high level of corruption in this present govt did they ban anyone of them? Let us be sensitive enough to call a spade a spade
ReplyDelete