Operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power 106.5 FM in Port Harcourt have been shut down when agents purportedly from the Rivers State government stormed the station and disconnected the transmitting mast on Sunday.
The action, which is not unconnected to an ongoing land dispute between the state government and Daar Communications, the parent company of AIT and Raypower FM, has been comdemned by ActionAid.
A source said that the men stormed the station around 8:00 a.m. in the company of armed mobile policemen and went straight to the transmitting mast to disconnect the server.
According to the source, the men and the security operatives said they were from the state government and were asked to dismantle the Daar Communication transmitter and disconnect the mast.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the management of DAAR Communications assured its valued audience that they can still enjoy AIT’s and Raypower’s programmes through various alternative platforms, including DStv, Gotv, StarTimes and the FreeTV platforms, as well as the AIT and Raypower online Apps.
It said: “Furthermore, we are actively working to restore the services as soon as possible.
“It is important to note that the matter surrounding the dispute between DAAR Communications and Rivers State government is currently being deliberated in court. It will be subjudice to say more at this time. We will keep the public informed of any updates.
“We express our gratitude to well-meaning Nigerians, media organisations, corporate interests, and political stakeholders who have extended their sympathy and support to the board and management of DAAR Communications during this challenging and rather unfortunate period.”
Meanwhile, ActionAid Nigeria said the closure of the AIT and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt is unjust and draconian. The group stated that the action by the Rivers State government is a blatant violation of media freedom and violation of legal processes.
The organisation, in a statement signed by the Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, stated that action taken by the state government, including dismantling of the broadcasting infrastructure, disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast, and deploying bulldozers to demolish the transmitter complex at the DAAR Communications Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt, not only constituted a severe breach of media rights, but jeopardised the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on these media outlets for their daily sustenance.
ActionAid, however, called on the state government to follow due process, respect the rule of law and refrain from any further actions until all legal options and processes are fully explored.
