‘Have A Rethink’ – Dokpesi’s AIT Begs Wike Over Demolition Notice

The management of Daar Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television/Raypower Radio, has begged Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State against demolishing its building in the state.

Recall that the Rivers State Government had on Monday served a 48-hour quit notice to the company to vacate the facility housing the two media outlets in the Ozuoba area of Port Harcourt, the state capital.

In a letter dated March 20, 2023, the government said the notice became necessary to enable it to demolish the structure and commence construction of the proposed GRA Phase 5 in Ozuoba.

In a statement on Friday, the Head of Centre, Daar Communications PLC, Port Harcourt, Remi Olu Akerele, said the governor should reconsider his plan to demolish the building.

She said the fate and livelihood of about 80 percent of the workforce who are from the host community, Ozuoba in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area will be seriously affected if the building is demolished.

Akerele, therefore, appealed that the workers should not be thrown out of jobs for the sake of their well-being and that of their families. She added that the demolition notice was pasted on the wall of the company’s building without any further information.

Akerele also noted that the company has instituted a court action against the Rivers State Government to stop the demolition of the building.

She, therefore, advised the government to wait for the decision of the Court on April 6, 2023, when the case will be coming up for hearing.

“I just want to appeal to the Governor to have a rethink if not for owners of Daar Communications PLC, but for over 80 percent workforce that is sourced from the locality of Ozuoba, host community. We have been in a good relationship with them. We have been doing everything humanly possible for the community as a company.”

“The matter has been taken to Court. We believe that in an ideal situation, there shouldn’t have any action because the case is already in Court. Hearing of the case has been fixed for the 6th of April,” the statement read.