By Cynthia Johnson
The operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt, the state capital, have been shut down by Governor Similayi Fubara-led Rivers State Government.
The media organization, Quest News, reported this in a statement on its website on Sunday.
Owners of AIT and Raypower, DAAR Communications, stated that their operations were shut down by telecommunications engineers contracted by the State Government, who were accompanied by armed security operatives.
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In a television broadcast on the TV channel, the alleged contractors were seen disconnecting the waveguard from the antenna on the mast, while riggers were seen dismantling the mast. The broadcast goes as follows:
“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.
“The 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. However, 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 heavy rains, as opposed to a later date.”
