The Rivers State Government has dismantled an analogue mast used by the African Independent Television (AIT) for its operations in Port Harcourt,
GOOD EVENING NIGERIA learnt that the demolition resulted in the mast falling onto the transmission building where the media house conducts its news and program broadcasts, and consequently AIT has gone off air on its terrestrial station within the state and the South-South and South-East states, yesterday.
The demotion comes as state government’s efforts to reclaim sections of its designated property, previously marked as Government Reserved Area (GRA) 5, occupied by AIT.
The state government had on March 20, 2023, served a 48 hours quit notice to the management of DAAR Communications to vacate part of its premises housing the communication company.
In the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, Mrs. Ebere Dennis Emenike, stated that the notice became necessary to enable the government demolish the structure and commence construction of the proposed Government Residential Area (GRA) phase 5, Ozuoba.
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Part of the letter had stated: “Following the imminent commencement of the above project, all structure(s) impacting on the right-of-way of the project have been earmarked for demolition including your own.
“Consequently, you are by this notice requested to remove such structure(s) within 48 hours to allow for speedy progress at work please”.
The land on which AIT and Raypower Radio Station built its transmission station in Ozuoba, had been a subject of dispute between the Rivers State Government and Daar Communication Plc.
Meanwhile, management of DAAR Communication has reacted to the demolition.
The management in a statement available to journalists in Port Harcourt, said the collapse of the Transmission Mast resulted in the damage of the transmitter building and the antennas.
The management stated “On September 4, 2023, at approximately 10am, the Rivers State Government, accompanied by federal security agencies, carried out operations which resulted in the collapse of the Transmission Mast for AIT and Raypower in Port-Harcourt.
“The collapse resulted in the damage of the transmitter building and the antennas, so AIT and Raypower terrestrial transmission are off air.
“We would like to assure our valued audience that they can still enjoy AIT’s and Raypower through various alternative platforms, including DStv, Gotv, StarTimes, and the FreeTV platform and the AIT and Raypower Apps online. 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 the 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.”
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However, the management expressed 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 what they described as an unfortunate period.
They also, “assure everyone that, despite the setbacks, we remain committed to delivering quality media services. From these difficult circumstances, we believe a new and stronger Raypower FM and AIT will emerge.”