According to Obaseki, his plan was to kick him out of office in order to realize his ambition.

The governor made the allegation in a video posted by Africa Independent Television, AIT, on Friday, where he addressed stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the ongoing feud between him and Shaibu.

His words: “He (Shaibu) went to Abuja and was boasting that he has connections in Abuja, that he has people in the National Assembly, that they are all with the president now, that they will take care of him.

“That if he cannot get the ticket in PDP, he knows what to do.

“I kept quiet and said I thought we were together. But what struck me, and I have never said this to anybody, is that after I proclaimed the House of Assembly, we were now going to elect officers.

“He was in Abuja, he came back that day. I am the chief security officer of this state. I get any information I need. But I have that responsibility to keep quiet and use the information properly.

READ ALSO: Oshiomhole to Edo deputy governor: No IDP camp in APC, please

“My deputy called the leader in APC, telling that leader that during the elections on the next day, particularly Speaker of the House of Assembly, that he has five members who are loyal to him and that he would like the seven members of APC to work with his five members of PDP to produce the next speaker.

“As far as I am concerned, that was not working in our common interest.

“Why would the deputy governor seek to have another speakership candidate outside of what the governor wants? Are we working together?

“That was when I knew we had a problem. That the deputy governor has become so desperate to take over that he would do anything, including carrying out a coup, against his governor.

“How can you say you are loyal and you will do such a thing?”

It would be recalled that Shaibu had sought the protection of the court against his boss, Governor Obaseki, to avoid an imminent impeachment and removal from office.

In a motion of notice brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and made available to the media last week Thursday, the appellant sought an order of interlocutory injunction stopping the respondents or their agents from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing or preventing the applicant from carrying out the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Edo State including attending State Executive Council meetings and other functions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The court papers listed the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, Speaker Edo House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of Edo State as defendants.

In the sworn document, the deputy governor claimed that the governor had deliberately obstructed him from fulfilling his official duties as the deputy governor of Edo State, thereby impeding the smooth functioning of the state’s administration.

He further accused the governor of using security organs like the police and State Security Service to engage in a campaign of harassment, intimidation and embarrassment directed at him.

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PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja, described Dokpesi as an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal party man, brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur.

He said that the PDP family was devastated by the death of one of its leading lights, member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee, NEC, media mogul, statesman and patriarch of the Dokpesi family.

“Dokpesi was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our great party and the nation at large.

“As a patriotic Nigerian, Dokpesi deployed his media empire of AIT, Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to champion the course of national development, promoted greater and affordable access to information across the country.

“He stimulated good governance, enhanced economic growth and development in all critical sectors and opened our nation to international limelight and opportunities.

“He was a detribalized Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes,” he said.

Ologunagba said that Dokpesi’s death was indeed a colossal national loss and a big blow to the PDP family.

He commiserated with the Dokpesi family, the Daar Communication Group, the government and people of Edo State, the Weppa-Wanno Kingdom and the Edo PDP family.

Ologunagba prayed to the Almighty God to grant all the fortitude to bear the devastating loss and also grant Dokpesi, eternal rest in His bosom.

Source: NAN

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Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence statement issued on Monday by his media adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the entire management and staff of African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray Power FM as well as friends and associates of the deceased.

The governor said the late Dokpesi would be remembered for breaking the monopoly of government-owned broadcasting in Nigeria with the establishment of the first private radio station, Ray Power FM.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I mourn the passage of businessman and media guru, who contributed his quota to the economy of Lagos State by providing job opportunities for many young Lagos residents in the media sector.

“High Chief Raymond Dokpesi was a forerunner in private broadcasting in Nigeria. He established the first privately owned television and radio in Nigeria. His bold decision to break the government monopoly in the broadcasting sector gave birth to hundreds of privately owned television and radio stations in Nigeria.

“He was also an active participant in Nigeria politics during the present Fourth Republic and served his party and Nigeria in different capacities. He was a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his community, state, and country.

“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Dr. Dokpesi and pray that God grants the media industry and the deceased family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

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He died on Monday at the age of 71.

The death of the chieftain of the leading opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was announced in a statement signed by his son, Raymond Dokpesi (Junior) on Monday.

He said the family would make the funeral arrangement known later.

The statement reads in full:

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023. High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.

“High Chief Dokpesi was a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.

“The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course.

“May his soul rest in peace.

“Sincerely,

“Raymond Dokpesi (JNR).”

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Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

“Following the approval granted by the president, NBC has released the list of 159 licenses granted to companies, communities and institutions of higher learning.

“The commission was established by the NBC Act, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation 2004 with the mandate to regulate and control broadcasting in Nigeria.

“Today, there are a total of 625 functional broadcast stations in Nigeria,’’ Ilelah stated.

The D-G said that the newly-approved licenses were the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (Radio), Prospective Union of Reno People (Radio), Smile Community Radio Initiative and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Radio.

He said others are Dudu African Broadcasting Communications Ltd., Independent Television, Prince Media Network, Jamkat Integrity Investment Ltd., Hikima Media Services, and Galaxy Television Radio.

“Others are H-i Fidelity Communications, B360 Nigeria Ltd., Communication Faculties Ltd., Godfrey Okoye University Radio, Art Broadcasting Company, Hamdana Media, Sunshine Radio, Blue Print Newspapers Ltd., NV Broadcasting Company Ltd. and others.

Source: NAN

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Lawan stated this on Monday in an address delivered to declare open a Town-hall meeting on the Hate Speech and Social Media bills organized by the Daar Communications in Abuja.

The Senate President said there was need to address the challenge of hate speech and fake news in the Nigerian society.

“We are here today because of some of these challenges, which are the challenges of hate speech and fake news. Added to this is the extent to which government should intervene. Important also is the need to come to an understanding on the best approach in finding a way forward.

“I need to reiterate that we are a democratic nation, where dialogue, conversation, disagreement and agreement are central to how we resolve issues. When exchanges are meaningful, we are sure to have a productive outcome. But when it is characterized with ceaseless conflict, I doubt if there can be progress.

“This is the direction that the National Assembly has always followed, by asking citizens to be involved in the democratic process. Of course, democracy is about inclusion and participation.

“We do not expect these features only in the provision of the dividends of democracy, but also in the processes that lead to it,” Lawan said.

The Senate President noted that the liberalisation of information on various social media platforms has been exploited severally and is subject to different dimensions of abuse.

He warned that if left unchecked without the introduction of laws and sanctions, it could have consequences on the nation.

He added: “The point about progress in information technology that I earlier made is central. There is no doubt that this progress has resulted into the liberalisation of information gathering and sharing.

“The new freedom has led to an equally new celebration. The citizen is now supposedly freer, and probably more participatory in conversations. This is consistent with the philosophy of democracy.

“Coming with this freedom however is different patterns and channels of abuses. This come through half-truths, lies, and hate speech. Concerned about this trend, some countries have imposed sanctions, as deterrence, or to prevent it from happening.

“The thinking is that humans have different motivations and diverse behavioral tendencies. If left unchecked, some might go awry, which is the reason why we have laws and other control systems in organisations and societies.”

The Senate President, however, urged Nigerians to eschew sentiments, look dispassionately and examine all matters critically.

“Where do we go from here as a nation, therefore? Should we endlessly permit the freedom, or do we rely on existing laws to deal with supposed infractions? Can we really say we have enough laws to deal with infractions?

“And if so, are we implementing them enough? On the other hand, should we think of more laws, in the interest of protecting the rights of those offended, which might include persons, institutions, or even the state? Or should we rather think of media literacy campaign, to sensitize the people about their rights and limitations?

“I am sure that at the end of this meeting, we should be able to find good answers to these questions, not just to enrich our knowledge on the discourse on hate speech and fake news, but also to assist the National Assembly, and even the government as a whole, on way forward.

“In discussing these issues, we need to realise that we are all stakeholders in the civil society and in governance. As stakeholders, we should be dispassionate and be able to examine all matters critically.

“Emotions and sentiments hardly help in a gathering like this. If our minds are open to all lines of thoughts, we will then develop a sense of perspective. Our conclusions will subsequently be helpful to the National Assembly and the government at large.

“Like I have always said, this ninth National Assembly is open to ideas. Good policy directions and decisions come through a rigorous process of debate, and with participation from all shades of opinion,” Lawan said.

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The commencement of operations followed the verdict of a Federal High Court which nullified the suspension of the licence of the broadcasting company.

While ordering the reopening of the stations under DAAR Communications, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, summoned the NBC and Ministry of Information over the suspension of the company’s licence.

NBC  shut down the stations on Thursday.

According to the Director-General of NBC, Modibbo Kawu, who addressed a press conference in Abuja on the issue, the licence was suspended following the failure of the organisation to obey broadcasting rules.

He said the action became necessary after the organisation refused to heed warnings that had been issued at different times.

“Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

“Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning, the NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11. The SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.”

Kawu stated further:  “In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

“Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

“However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on.”

Earlier on Thursday, the founder of DAAR Communication, Raymond Dokpesi, during a press conference, accused the Presidency of attacking his organisation in different ways.

Speaking at the press conference held at the headquarters of the company in Abuja, Dokpesi said the attacks included imposition of fines unduly by the NBC and the demolition of part of its property.

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This, the NBC did by suspending the licence of the broadcasting organisation on Thursday.

However, as at press time, our check revealed that the stations are still operating.

According to the Director-General of NBC, Modibbo Kawu, who addressed a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the licence was suspended following the failure of the organisation to obey broadcasting rules.

He said the action became necessary after the organisation refused to heed warnings that had been issued at different times.

“Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

“Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning, the NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11. The SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.”

Kawu stated further:  “In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

“Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

“However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on.”

Earlier in the day, the founder of DAAR Communication, Raymond Dokpesi, during a press conference, accused the Presidency of attacking his organisation in different ways.

Speaking at the press conference held at the headquarters of the company in Abuja, Dokpesi said the attacks included imposition of fines unduly by the NBC and the demolition of part of its property.

His words:  “I believe very strongly that under the leadership of the current director-general of the NBC (Is’haq Kawu), press freedom has been greatly eroded.

“If this was not protected by the president, is it possible that his body language is being interpreted?

“I have it on strict authority and very assured information that the highest echelons of government, the presidency, queried and challenged the NBC that they were not doing their jobs.

“How on earth could they be hearing and seeing on AIT what they termed hate speech? Any criticism of this government is hate speech. The NBC is acting under the authority of the president and Commander-in-Chief.”

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