Rivers State Govt Bars Daar Communication From Broadcasting

DAAR Communications Plc Broadcast Centre which is located in Rivers State just experienced the demolition of its Transmitter Complex which it claims was taken by the State Government.

This action has led to the suspension of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, in Ozuoba, Port Harcourt environment.

Dated back to March 20, 2023, the River State Government gave a quick notice to the management of DAAR Communication to vacate some marked buildings holding its services saying that the land was meant for some of the state housing project, but the company claimed that the land has been with them for the past 20 years.

Speaking more on the issue, the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Works, Mrs. Ebere Dennis Emenike said in a statement that the demolition which affected some properties of DAAR Communications was because the State Government intends to start the construction of the proposed Government Residential Area (GRA) Phase 5, Ozuoba.

The letter partly reads,

• Following the imminent commencement of the above project, all structure(s) impacting 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 48 hours to allow for speedy progress at work please.

However, the land that hosted AIT and Raypower Radio Station in Ozuoba has had some disputes between the DAAR Communications Plc and the Rivers State Government.

DAAR Communications speaks,

• On September 4, 2023, at approximately 10 am, the Rivers State Government, accompanied by federal security agencies, carried out operations that resulted in the collapse of the Transmission Mast for AIT and Raypower in Port-Harcourt.

• The collapse resulted in damage to the transmitter building and the antennas, so AIT and Raypower terrestrial transmission are off-air.

• We would like to assure our valued audience that they can still enjoy AIT’s and Raypower through various alternative platforms, including DStv, Gotv, StarTimes, and the FreeTV platform and the AIT and Raypower Apps online. Furthermore, we are actively working to restore the services as soon as possible.

• It is important to note that the matter surrounding the dispute between DAAR Communications and the Rivers State Government is currently being deliberated in court. It will be difficult to say more at this time. We will keep the public informed of any updates.

Also, the management expressed gratitude to those who took out time to sympathize with the company over the incident that took place. 

DAAR Communications Management quote,

• Assure everyone that, despite the setbacks, we remain committed to delivering quality media services. From these difficult circumstances, we believe a new and stronger Raypower FM and AIT will emerge.