Government Shuts AIT, Raypower Operations, Begins Demolition of Structures

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The operations of Africa Independent Television and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt have been shut down by the Rivers State Government, amid demolition of the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.

According to a report on the media organisation’s website, the operations were shut down by telecommunications engineers contracted by the State Government who were accompanied by armed security operatives.

A live broadcast on the TV channel showed where the alleged contractors were seen disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast.

The statement reads, “Meanwhile, bulldozers were also deployed by the Rivers State Government to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.

DAAR Communications PLC, in a brief statement on Sunday by AIT Editor, Terverr Tyav, said the management was taken by surprise by the shutdown as the government had not given it any notice of the shutdown.

According to DAAR, the contractors disconnected the wave guard from the mast’s antenna while riggers were dismantling the mast.

It added that bulldozers were also deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.

“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,” DAAR stated.

“Some of officials of the telecommunications contractor told AIT.live that they were working on directive from above to start demolition on Sunday despite the heavy rains as against a later date.”

The land on which the AIT/RayPower transmission station is located has been a subject of dispute between the state government and Daar Communications, Plc.

In March, the state government, under the directive of former governor Nyesom Wike, now minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a quit notice to DAAR Communications, ordering it to vacate the land.

The government quit notice reads, “Following the imminent commencement of GRA Phase 5 project, the structures are impacting on the Right Of Way have been earmarked for demolition, including your own.

“Consequently, you are by this notice requested to remove structures within 48 hours to allow for speedy progress of work.”

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