The Rivers State Government has initiated the shutdown of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt, located in the South-South region of Nigeria. This action was carried out by telecommunications engineers, hired by the State Government, who were accompanied by armed security operatives. During the operation, the contractors disconnected the wave guard from the antenna on the mast, while riggers dismantled the mast.
In addition to the aforementioned shutdown, the Rivers State Government also deployed bulldozers to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt. This unexpected turn of events has caught the management of the Company off guard, as efforts were underway to amicably resolve the issues with the State Government. The lack of notice regarding the demolition has raised significant concerns.
According to officials of the telecommunications contractor working on the directive, they were instructed to initiate the demolition on Sunday, despite the heavy rainfall, as opposed to a later date.