…as bulldozers demolish transmitter complex, govt contractors dismantle antenna, mast
Rivers State Government has shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
A report on the media organisation’s website stated that the operations were shut down by telecommunications engineers contracted by the Rivers State Government, who were escorted by armed security operatives.
A live broadcast on the TV channel also showed the alleged contractors disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast as riggers dismantled the mast.
According to the statement, “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.
“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 heavy rains as against a later date.”
Recall that the parcel of land housing the AIT/RayPower transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the state government and Daar Communications, Plc.
