The Rivers State Government has shut down operations of Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt.
The facility was shut down by engineers contracted by the State Government and were accompanied by armed security operatives to enforce compliance.
“Bulldozers were also deployed by the Rivers State Government to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.
“Management of the Company has been taken by surprise following the sudden turn of events as efforts were in top gear to resolve issues with the State Government amicably but the no notice incident is a heavy source of concern.
“Some officials of the telecommunications contractor told AIT that they were working on a directive from above to start demolition on Sunday despite the heqavy rains as against a later date”, a statement from Daar Communications read.
A live broadcast on the TV channel also showed the recruited contractors disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast.
Credible News reports that both media organisations belong to DAAR Communications Plc with headquarters in Abuja. It was founded by late media mogul and pioneer private radio station owner, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who died on May 29, 2023.
The land on which the AIT/RayPower Radio station built its transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the State government and DAAR Communications Plc. since March.
