Wale Igbintade
The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) and Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) have condemned what they described as “the wanton destruction” the building and equipment of Daar Communications PLC, operators of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower by the Rivers State Government.
IBAN in a statement signed by its Chairman, Murray Bruce, described the demolition, which occurred on Monday, September 4, 2023, as self-help, illegal, and an abuse of court order.
The association stated that the action of the Rivers State government was detrimental to the nation’s nascent democracy, as the dispute on the land between Daar Communications PLC and Rivers State Government is still a subject of litigation before a court of competent jurisdiction
“IBAN views the action of the Rivers State Government as an attempt to intimidate and silence the media, which is the watchdog of the society. It calls on the Rivers State Government to stay action and allow the judicial process to prevail on the matter,” the statement added.
In the same vein, SNB described the destruction of the media equipment of AIT Port-Harcourt by the Rivers State government as an embarrassing affront against the Nigerian judiciary and barbaric act that is least expected from a democratically elected government.
A statement issued by its Coordinating Chairman. Festus Kehinde, likened the action of Rivers State Government to a malicious political gang up by an opposing political party seeking for self-help to forcefully remove a sitting governor while its petition has not been determined by the legally constituted election petitions tribunal.
The statement read: “The action of the Rivers State Government as a party in the lawsuit on this matter pending before the court is synonymous to a malicious political gang up by an opposing political party seeking for self-help to forcefully remove a sitting governor while its petition has not been determined by the legally constituted election petitions tribunal.
“This unfortunate steps taken by the state government is a clear demonstration that the executive arm believes in jungle justice rather than the rules of law, which is very nauseating at this stage of the nation’s democracy.
“This action is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by all lovers of justice and equity. SNB is joining other well-meaning Nigerians and professional bodies to condemn this barbaric act. The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters calls on government and their agencies at all levels to refrain from actions that are capable of compromising the international image of Nigeria among the comity of nations.
“Despite the fact that broadcast media houses in Nigeria today are facing humongous infrastructure and bleeding from financial deficit orchestrated by accumulated economic misadventures of the nations political leaders, the media remains steadfast in ensuring the advancement of the nation’s unity and democratic governance.
SNB further called on government at all levels that rather than aggravating the financial crisis inflicted on the media as a result of poor economic policies, government should partner the media to jointly navigate the best possible routes of revamping the nation’s ailing economy and serious security challenges.
It added that Daar Communications the owners of AIT, deserves to be adequately compensated for this act of omission on the part of Rivers State government.
