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Tag: AIT

  • Why we stopped top directors at AIT – Dokpesi Jnr

    Why we stopped top directors at AIT – Dokpesi Jnr

    Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, Chairperson of DAAR Communications Plc, has explained that the recent changes within the company’s management team, which led to the departure of several long-serving directors, are part of a broader strategy to align with regulatory requirements and secure the company’s future growth.

    In a detailed discussion with journalists, Dokpesi Jnr clarified that the decision to let go of these directors was not based on personal preferences.

    “If it were solely up to me, I would prefer to retain the experience, relationships, and skill sets of our management team for a bit longer. However, this isn’t a personal decision,” he stated.

    As a publicly listed company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, DAAR Communications must adhere to the regulations set by the Security and Exchange Commission and the code of corporate governance, which limit directors to two terms of five years each. Dokpesi Jnr emphasized the importance of these regulations, saying, “Our obligations to our shareholders go beyond individual choices or opinions.”

    He acknowledged that many of the current management team members have been with DAAR Communications since its inception, with some serving for up to 27 years. “Their retirement is long overdue; this decision should have been made five, six, or even seven years ago,” he noted.

    Dokpesi Jnr also addressed the political context that influenced the timing of these changes. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the Buhari administration, he remarked, “The treatment of AIT and our founder during that period was difficult. Implementing these changes then might not have been prudent.”

    With the current political environment now more favorable, Dokpesi Jnr believes it is the right time for a strategic review of the company’s direction. “We need to assess whether to continue on our current path or to pursue a new direction,” he

  • Rivers government shut down AIT, Raypower operations

    Rivers government shut down AIT, Raypower operations

    The Rivers state Government  on Sunday shut down the Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM operations in the state.

    This was made known by the media organization on its official X  platfom on Sunday.

    According to the media organization, the State Government shut down its operations through contracted telecommunications engineers accompanied by armed security operatives.

    “The contractors disconnected the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast.

    “Also, bulldozers were deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre,” it said.

    The telecommunications’ contractor’s official told the organization that they were working on a directive from above to commence demolition on Sunday.

    Recall that the State government had in March given 48-hours quit notice to DAAR Communication Plc, stating that the area has been mapped out for GRA phase 5 Ozuoba.

  • Controversy surrounds alleged arrest of Dokpesi at UK airport

    Controversy surrounds alleged arrest of Dokpesi at UK airport

    Controversy has surrounded the alleged arrest of the founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who was delayed by the Met Police at Heathrow Airport on Sunday for a few hours.

    Dokpesi had arrived via Frankfurt from Abuja on a Lufthansa airlines flight but was invited off the plane before other passengers disembarked.

    Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the DAAR Communications management explained that Dokpesi was in the UK in connection with the invitation extended to the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the British government to speak on the 2023 presidential elections.

    The statement said he was delayed for some hours before his passport was subsequently stamped and he was cleared by British Immigration officials.

    It stated, ‘’Dokpesi arrived via Frankfurt from Abuja on a Lufthansa airlines flight and was invited off the plane before other passengers disembarked.

    “Dokpesi was delayed at the airport for some hours before his passport was stamped and he was cleared by British Immigration officials for entry into the country.

    “His visit to the United Kingdom is not unconnected to the invitation of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar by the British government to share perspectives on issues around the 2023 presidential elections.

    “The media founder is the Deputy Director-General, Technical and Systems of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council. Chief Dokpesi wishes to thank all for their outpour of love, prayers and support following the news of the incident and to reassure them that he is hale and hearty.”

    Controversy surrounds alleged arrest of Dokpesi at UK airport

    But responding to inquiries about the reasons for Dokpesi’s arrest, the Met Police in an email did not mention the PDP chief’s name.

    The mail read, “On Sunday, 8 January, a 71-year-old man was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of rape. The arrest relates to an allegation of rape in August 2019. The man has been bailed, pending further enquiries, to a date in early April. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

    “Please, note that we don’t confirm the identity of any person who has been arrested but not charged.”

    Dokpesi could not be reached for comment on the statement from the police.

    But a source in DAAR Communication stated, “Rape! It’s not possible. I am not in the UK and don’t have information on why Dokpesi was held and released. If it was a rape case, will they release him? It is the most unfair allegation against him. Where did the rape occur? Is it in Nigeria or UK?

    “If Nigeria didn’t fight, is it the UK that will fight him over rape? Those who are brandishing that false allegation should be able to say where the alleged rape took place. Those brandishing that nonsense are not fair to that man. Rape! At what age? Something that he didn’t do at a younger age, is it at over 70 years that he would do that?”

  • Just In: AIT Executive Director attacked, robbed in Abuja

    Just In: AIT Executive Director attacked, robbed in Abuja

     

    The DAAR Communications Plc Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has raised an alarm over the increasing security threats and attacks on journalists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    This followed the attack on the Executive Director, DAAR Communications Plc, Mac Imoni Amarere on Monday evening while observing traffic rules not far from the Community Staff School, Asokoro, .

    In a statement titled, ‘Abuja increasing insecurity: Amarere attacked, robbed at traffic light stop,’ the chapel said:

    “The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, DAAR Chapel, has been drawn to an unfortunate incident of the attack on Our Executive Director, DAAR Media Academy and Anchor, Peoples-Politics-Power on AIT, Mac Imoni Amarere.”Amarere was attacked, robbed while observing traffic rules not far from the Community Staff School, Asokoro, a facility owned and managed by the DSS in Asokoro, on Monday evening, September 26.

    “Fortunately, there’s no bodily injury but he lost some valuables to the miscreants, his driver sustained minor injuries. Colleagues are encouraged to be more vigilant as we obey traffic lights in the City Centre, especially at night.

    “The police is called to increase check points and surveillance, especially at roads ongoing construction and by strategic traffic lights. We call on colleagues to keep looking out for yourself and others.”

    END

  • NBC urged to rescind decision to revoke licenses of 52 stations

    NBC urged to rescind decision to revoke licenses of 52 stations

    The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU),  has appealed to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to rescind the revocation of licenses of 52 broadcast stations.

    Mr Akpausoh Akpausoh, General Secretary of the union, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Recall that the NBC, had on Friday revoked the licenses of the AIT/Ray Power FM (DAAR Communication L.td., Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debts.

    Akpausoh, however, described the action by the NBC as ”untimely.” He said, ”information is the oxygen of democracy. This truism has stood the test of time and in all climes. Therefore, Nigeria cannot be an exception.

    ”It is on the basis of the above that Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has no other option, but to advise the NBC.

    ”The commission has the unreserved constitutional right to revoke the licenses of Radio and Television stations that have not done the needful.

    ”However, the prevailing climate makes such an action untimely and fraught with grave consequences.

    ”This is because, most of these stations were yet to recover from the COVID-19 shock,” he said.

    Akpausoh also recalled that during the lock-down, these stations were brave to sustain their services.

    He said that RATTAWU had earlier made a case that the broadcast stations be given special COVID-19 palliative, considering the laudable roles they play in the society.

    ”Just after the lifting of the COVID-19 lock-down, there was an unexpected hike in the prices of diesel. Most of these stations rely on diesel to operate due to epileptic power supply from the DISCOS,” he added.

    According to him, ”this is an issue that is, at best, an unbecoming situation to the nation.

    ”From the foregoing, it is needless to say that the broadcast environment is not healthy and friendly. Therefore, decisions that affect the broadcast environment should be taken with absolute guidance and consideration.

    ”The action of NBC is unilateral. It is not a product of stakeholders of the broadcast industry. Therefore, it stands to be half clever,” he said.

    The general secretary said that lack of payment of license fees can never be tantamount to threat to national security.

    He stated, ”rather, the contents of the broadcast stations were what would constitute threats to national security.”

    ”The Nigerian state is preparing for general elections by 2023. Therefore, revoking the licenses of 52 stations and directing their total shutdown implies limiting the possibility of voter education and other electioneering activities.

    ”This portends great danger and disservice to the nation. The current security situation in the country requires that there is free flow of information as much as possible.

    ”This will help the citizens to give reports to the authorities and the authorities in return will tell the citizens what needs to be done,” he said.

    He added shutting down the broadcast stations will not be good for the nation. Akpausoh also said as a Trade Union Movement, RATTAWU was worried at the multiplier effects that the action of NBC would have on the workers.

    ”Shutting down media stations invariably leads to disengagements of workers, which results in an influx into the unemployed market and its attendant consequences.

    ”Therefore, any government organisation that means well for citizens will not do anything that will compound the situation.

    ”It is on the strength of the foregoing that RATTAWU, while urging the indebted stations to do the needful, also frowns at the action of NBC.

    ”RATTAWU, therefore calls on NBC to call a stakeholders meeting where the issues would be discussed,” he said.

  • NBC extends enforcement order on 52 broadcast stations

    NBC extends enforcement order on 52 broadcast stations

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has extended the period in which all outstanding debts by 52 broadcast stations are to be paid from 24 hours to Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2022.

    The Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    NBC had on Friday revoked the licenses of the AIT/Ray Power FM (DAAR Communication L.td., Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debts.

    The commission ordered the affected stations to shutdown in the next 24 hours and directed NBC offices nationwide to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.

    Ilelah, however, said that the extension of the enforcement date was due to an appeal by the affected broadcast stations, relevant stakeholders, public spirited individuals and organisations.

    ”This is to inform all the affected broadcast stations whose licenses were revoked and given 24 hours to pay all outstanding license fees that NBC has extended the period which all outstanding debts are to be paid from 24 hours to Wednesday Aug. 23.

    ”All affected broadcast stations who fail to defray their debts on or before Aug. 23, 2022, are directed to shutdown by 12a.m. on Aug. 24, 2022,” the DG said.

  • BREAKING: NBC revokes licences of Silverbird, AIT, Raypower FM, 50 other stations

    BREAKING: NBC revokes licences of Silverbird, AIT, Raypower FM, 50 other stations

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revoked the licenses of DAAR Communication Ltd, pioneer of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power 100.5 FM; Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debt.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, who made the disclosure at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, ordered the affected stations to shut down in the next 24 hours.

    Also, Ilelah directed NBC offices nationwide to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure immediate compliance, explaining that in May 2022, the commission published in the national dailies, the list of licensees that are indebted to NBC, and granted them two weeks to renew their licenses and pay their debts or consider their licenses revoked, and frequencies withdrawn.

    “Three months after the publication, some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the NBC Act CAP N11, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10 (a) of the third schedule of the Act.

    “In view of this development, the continued operation of the debtor stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security. Therefore, after due consideration, the NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the under-listed stations and give them 24 hours to shutdown their operations,” he said.

    The D-G said that the other stations affected were Zuma FM, Suleja, Niger State; Bomay Broadcasting Service Ltd., and Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Gombe, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers States Broadcasting Corporations and Stations.

    He listed other stations to include Katsina Broadcasting Corporation, Kaduna State Broadcasting Corporation, Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation, Kebbi State Broadcasting Corporation, Zamfara State Broadcasting Corporation and Yobe State Broadcasting Corporation.

    Similarly, Ilelah said Imo State Broadcasting Corporation, Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation, Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation, Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation, Borno State Broadcasting Corporation and Crowther FM Abuja were among the affected stations.

    He urged all broadcast stations who have not renewed their licenses for the current duration to do so within the next 30 days to avoid sanctions. He also called on all Internet Protocol Television and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the commission to avoid disconnection

    “Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license doesn’t warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licenses,” Ilelah added.

  • BREAKING: AIT, Silverbird, Rhythm FM, Others shut down by NBC Over Licence Issues

    BREAKING: AIT, Silverbird, Rhythm FM, Others shut down by NBC Over Licence Issues

     

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced the shutdown of AIT, Silverbird, Rhythm FM and some state broadcasting stations over non-compliance with license renewal.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah made this announcement while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

    He said that all affected media houses must suspend operation within the next 24 hours.

     

    Details soon…

  • Delta govt vows not to pay N80m to AIT presenter

    Delta govt vows not to pay N80m to AIT presenter

    Delta Government says it will not succumb to any blackmail to pay N80 million for a TV programme allegedly proposed by Mr Felix Akugha, presenter of AIT Inside Niger Delta programme

    The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday, in Asaba on alleged attacks on the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led government by the Port Harcourt based AIT presenter, Akugha.

    Aniagwu, who made available the copy of the proposal duly signed by Akugha, to newsmen, said the essence was to make everything clear to the public.

    The commissioner noted that the essence of the briefing was to educate the general public on why Akugha had chosen the part of blackmail instead of speaking facts about the Delta government.

    “Akugha, the Anchor of Inside Niger Delta, an AIT programme in Port Harcourt, for some time, we have been quiet because we did not want to expose the reason why he had gone offensive for a very long time.

    ” Long before now, Akugha had approached us and he brought a proposal to that effect, that we should be paying him N80 million annually to project what we are doing in the state.

    “He had approached us verbally, but in September 2021, he brought this proposal and we said that apart from the fact that the amount was on the high side, the numbers of the things you want to do, we are already handling.

    “Besides that, he listed the number of media outfits to be deployed but did not include our local broadcasting stations in the state,” Aniagwu said.

    The commissioner added, “we, however, advised him to progress but take a second look at the cost he was presenting and to also incorporate our local media outfits in Warri and Asaba.

    “All he wanted was to push his way through but we say that is not how we work.

    “Since that time, he went on the offensive believing that he could blackmail us into doing his bidden.

    “He called the programme, ” Inside Niger Delta” but what he ended up doing is inside the politics of Delta State.

    “So, for every edition of the programme, he looks for his co -travellers to attack whatever we are doing even though he progresses in error”.

    According to Aniagwu, even when the government has explained what it wanted to do with the N150 billion bridging finance, Akugha went about castigating the intent of the government.

    “Akugha claimed that we have abandoned the ongoing Asaba-Ughelli dualization project (Federal Government Road) that efforts are on by the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led government to complete.

    “Beyond that, when we announced that we are going to build an International Conference Centre, he queried why we needed to give advance payment to mobilise the contractor.

    “But I did explain to him on the need for the advance payment, particularly when speed is of essence and given the spiral inflation but rather than agreeing, Akugha went on a voyage of destruction.

    “Even in his edition of Monday, given the rising profile of Gov. Okowa largely due to his performance and achievements, Akugha and his co- travellers painted a picture that is at variance with the reality, saying that nothing is happening in Delta.

    “But we want to make it clear that the number of attacks from Felix Akugha, will not make us to engage him or pay him the N80 million he is demanding.

    “If he wants to do business that is legitimate, we don’t have problems with that but he can’t force our hands to pay him”.

    Also Speaking, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, added that Gov. Okowa had all it takes to be the president of Nigeria.

    According to him, Okowa is more national than most persons who had occupied the Vice President positions in the country.

    “Okowa has a remarkable credential that made the All Progressive Congress (APC) engage him on several occasions, particularly during the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

    ” It is wrong for anyone to hide under the guise of journalism to make a defamatory statement about the state government,” he said.

    In his reaction, Akugha told NAN in a telephone interview that he was never a politician nor belong to any political party.

    Akugha, however, noted that what sparked off the recent issues with the Delta government was his Monday presentation on Arise television where one of the participating lawyers made comment about the governor and that he should not be considered for the vice president position.

    According to him, the report was balanced as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor also reacted in the same programme.

    As regards the N80 million proposal, he admitted but said he played no major role in generating the proposal and the figure therein.

    He, however, alleged that the proposal was raised by his head of marketing and a wife of the governor’s aide.

    “I never went to them with the proposal and I never followed it up because I was not interested,” he said.

    “On the Ughelli -Asaba dualization, I tried to balance my report and I said that  Ughalli-Asaba road which has be ongoing for 14 years now that the state government should complete the project with the proposed N150 billion loan.

  • #TNGPIBConfab: Omo-Agege, Osunbor, Attah, Anyim, others to lead talks @TNG/AIT colloquium

    #TNGPIBConfab: Omo-Agege, Osunbor, Attah, Anyim, others to lead talks @TNG/AIT colloquium

    The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and the former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor are expected to deliver the keynote address at a one-day colloquium on the fate of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

    The event put together by TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG), Nigeria and Africa’s leading online news platform and Africa Independent Television (AIT) is scheduled to hold on March 10th, 2021.

    The summit’s goodwill message will be delivered by the Hon. Minister of state, Petroleum Resources and ex-governor, Bayelsa state, HE, Chief Timipre Sylva and the live conference will be moderated by a member of TNG’s advisory board, Dr. Chidi Amuta with .

    The virtual event which is structured into two segments will have former Governor, Akwa Ibom state, Obong Victor Attah and Former Senate President/ex-Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Pius Anyim as chairmen of the respective sessions.

    Other eminent Nigerians in the array of discussants at the summit include Transportation Minister/former governor of Rivers State, HE, Rotimi Amaechi; Hon Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN; former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan; immediate past director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside; Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.

    Others are Distinguished Senator Magnus Abe; the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, (UNILAG) GMD NNPC, Professor Ben Oghojafor; Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Managing Director, ArisTV, Ms. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu; Prof Hope Eghagha.

    According to TNG publisher, Mideno Bayagbon who is the Chief Host of the event, the focus of the summit is to end the seemingly intractable problem of enacting a new, mutually beneficial petroleum industry law which will transform the industry and put in place firm roadmaps for the federal government, industry operators and the communities and states of the Niger Delta.”

    He added: “TNG, as a critical voice in the petroleum industry sector and in the Niger Delta, recognizing the new spirited attempt by the 9th Assembly to break the jinx and pass the bill, has decided to bring together all the critical stakeholders and authorities in the federal government, National Assembly, petroleum industry, governors of the Niger Delta states and host communities to chart a supportive pathway to enable the National Assembly finally pass the bill for the President’s assent.”