The Rivers State Government has shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt. Telecommunications engineers contracted by the state government, accompanied by armed security operatives, carried out the shutdown.
The closure reportedly involved the disconnection of the wave guard from the antenna on the mast, with riggers dismantling the mast itself. Additionally, bulldozers were deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.
The dispute between the state government and DAAR Communications, Plc. over the land on which the AIT/RayPower Radio station was built has been ongoing, and the sudden shutdown has raised concerns. While efforts were reportedly underway to resolve the issues amicably, the shutdown occurred without prior notice.
The circumstances surrounding the shutdown and demolition are likely to raise questions about property rights, legal processes, and the relationship between media organizations and government authorities in Nigeria.