Leadership (Abuja)
Austine Unoarumi
1 September 2008
Broadcast firm, Metro Digital Satellite, has observed that the recent ruling by Justice GKU. Olotu of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that the Nigeria Copyright Commission [NCC] could only be sued for its action after a three month pre- action notice as stipulated by law is not an indication of victory on the part of the defendant.
It also reassured that it is optimistic that its firm will get justice at the end of the matter.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Paulinus Osuji, its general manager, said contrary to speculations, Metro Digital Satellite has not initiated and is not contemplating any move to withdraw its suit or settle for a round - table talk with the defendant until it sees that justice is not only done, but seen to be done in a case of criminal trespass and intimidation against its firm.
Osuji however said the firm will not oppose any move by the defendant to settle out of court, as long as the defendant is prepared to pay for damaged broadcast equipments worth over N100 million naira, including claims for violation of its staff's human rights.
Explaining that the Nigeria Copyright Commission [NCC] had already been served as ruled by Justice G.K Olotu, he added that the modus operandi of NCC staff that stormed the corporate headquarters of the company, was ridiculous and contrary to procedures.
He said during the raid, staff of the company were tied to each other, typical of the era of slave trade, including other forms of intimidation and harassment.
He noted that the officials from NCC also carried out their actions without any warrant approved by the appropriate authority.
Metro Digital Satellite firm, which according to him is duly licensed by the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation [NBC] was also not briefed by the NCC on the purpose of their mission.
While adding that the commission might not be far from being sponsored by detractors who want the firm out of operation, the general manager noted that under normal condition the firm ought to have been notified of its offence before an attack of such magnitude was carried out on the firm.
He described the action of the commission playing the script of some competitors in the industry.
Mr Osuji who said the firm has never been involved in any criminal activity since it commenced operations operation called on the federal government to carry out a general overhauling of the commission if the commission must achieve its goals and objectives.
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