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AIT Owner, Dokpesi, Set To Lead One-Man Protest To NASS

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DAAR Communications PLC, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM,  disclosed that its founder, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, would on Thursday, June 6, stage a ‘one-man demonstration’ to the National Assembly to protest against plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to gag the media and suppress free speech.

This followed a threat by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to move against Dokpesi’s Media Houses over some reports it considered unfavourable.

The regulatory body has accused the broadcast stations of airing “offensive, unfair and unprofessional” content in violation of its rules.

In three letters made available to the organisations, the Commission’s Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Armstrong Idachaba, asked AIT and RayPower to state why they should not be sanctioned over the issues raised.

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“The continued use of your licence (given in trust to you on behalf of the entire Nigerian people), to embark on attacks and vilification of the regulator shall attract appropriate sanctions going forward,” he wrote.

In one of the letters, Idachaba alleged that the stations had the motive of inciting the public against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the government.

“Monitoring reports on AIT and Ray Power FM indicate that a news commentary replete with unfair allegations against the judiciary was aired from Monday, May 20, 2019.

“This commentary was aired on the two stations during the week. The broadcast is a contravention of the provisions of the Code and extant laws regarding discussion of cases pending in the law courts which could be termed as contempt of court,” the NBC said.

It cited many instances where “inciting words” were used and how social media users fanned the embers of discord.

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“Your station is by this letter advised to be cautious when discussing issues relating to matters pending in the court of law and refrain from use of language inimical to the broadcast profession,” it said.

DAAR Communications PLC urged Nigerians and the international community, “to note the act of brigandage against freedom of speech and association as clearly expressed in Nigeria’s constitution.”

“AIT and RayPower have not violated any code of broadcasting as alleged by the NBC. The NBC and the government in power are not comfortable with the broadcast industry because of its courageous and dogged stance in informing Nigerians on happenings in the country.

“We are in a democracy and must all rise to defend Nigeria from anti-democratic forces,” the media outfit said.

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Basketmouth slams filmmakers for failing to showcase Nigeria’s culture in movies

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Basketmouth

Popular comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has accused some of his colleagues of not showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.

The movie star alleged that most of the epic movies released recently do not promote the country’s culture.

In an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth claimed that the filmmakers wasted opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s culture positively.

He said, “I believe that we still have the opportunity to get it right. But we had a great opportunity to showcase our culture and most of the filmmakers blew it up. They just ruined that great chance because I see epic movies and they look like stage plays.

“When I was seeing most of the epic movies, I was disappointed.

“You guys blew up a great opportunity but let’s hope we still have another chance to strike at it.

“I’m sorry, only very few movies have impressed me so far. I believe that we can do more.”

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Gov Abiodun commiserates with Makinde, Soludo, Wike over stampede victims

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Abiodun

The chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the tragic loss of lives resulting from recent stampedes at food palliative distribution venues in the affected areas.

The stampedes reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 65 Nigerians, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

Abiodun expressed his sorrow in sympathy notes to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the deaths of the victims were especially tragic because they were pursuing necessities for survival.

The SGF Chairman noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with other levels of government, is still working to improve the living standards of the populace, despite the current economic difficulties they confront.

To prevent further tragedy, Abiodun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and follow security procedures when attending palliative distribution events.

He said: “Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred at a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic.

“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims, and all Nigerians on these unfortunate incidents.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

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Nigerian Govt lifts ban on mining in Zamfara after five years

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The Federal Government has suspended the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State five years after the sanction was imposed.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

“Nigeria has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts,” the statement read.

According to the minister, the previous ban, which was well intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources.

Alake also emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool.

“Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity.

“A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara,” he added.

The minister further stated that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.

He said this would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

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