The Rivers State government plans to demolish the transmission station of the African Independent Television/Ray Power in Ozuoba, outskirts of Port Harcourt.
The State government issued a 48-hour notice to Daar Communications, owners of the African Independent Television and Ray Power to remove its property on the right of way of its proposed housing project in the GRA Phase 5 axis of Port Harcourt.
The notice was issued by Mrs Ebere Dennis-Emenike, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, in a letter which simply bears ‘To whom it may concern’.
The letter which is titled ‘Proposed GRA phase 5 Ozuoba, Port Harcourt demolition notice’ reads, “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 forty-eight (48) hours to allow for speedy progress of work.”
Reports say the land on which AIT/Raypower Radio station built its transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the state government and Daar Communications Plc.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Union of Journalists has urged the state government to rethink the plan to demolish the transmission station of Daar Communications Plc.
NUJ Chairman of the State Council, Stanley Job and Secretary, Ike Wigodo, made the appeal in a joint statement following the ultimatum.
The statement partly reads, “The NUJ appeal is sequel to a 48-hour quit notice the Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Works, served Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT and Raypower Radio Station, in the early hours of Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
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The quit notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mrs Ebere Dinnis Emenike, requested the Media House to remove its structure for a proposed housing project within 48 hours.
“The land on which AIT and Raypower Radio Station built its transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the Rivers State Government and Daar Communication Plc. The Council urged the state government to open a negotiation channel with the media organisation for a peaceful resolution.
“The Union said that though it appreciated the State Government’s urban renewal policy, it pleaded with the government to temper justice with mercy. We appeal to the Rivers State Government to review the quit notice given to Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT and Raypower Radio Station.”
Continuing, the council said, “The Press and the Rivers State Government have come a long way as partners in progress. We believe that proper negotiation and peaceful resolution of the land dispute will serve the government and the people of Rivers State better.
“Whatever the merit of the quit notice by the Rivers State Government to Daar Communications Plc, we would not want the world to see the Press in a fight with the Rivers State Government in view of our long-standing mutual relationship.
“NUJ will not be happy to see a Media House in Rivers State been demolished over a land dispute that can be resolved peacefully and amicably,” the statement read in part.
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