NIGERIA — The Rivers State Government has shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt. The reasons for the shutdown remain unclear, as the telecommunications engineers contracted by the State Government, accompanied by armed security operatives, provided no prior notice of the action. Punch Reports
Some officials of the telecommunications contractor reportedly 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. The state government had previously been embroiled in a dispute over the land on which AIT/Raypower radio station built its transmission station.
In response to this situation, the management of Daar Communications PLC, the holding company for AIT and Raypower FM, has expressed its surprise at the turn of events and has called for an amicable resolution to the issues with the Rivers State Government. It is hoped that through dialogue and negotiation, the issues can be resolved quickly and the stations can resume their operations.
In the meantime, the shutting down of AIT and Raypower FM raises serious concerns about press freedom in Nigeria and underscores the need for governments at all levels to respect and uphold the principles of a free press.
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