SNB knocks Rivers govt over destruction of AIT equipment

Etim Ekpimah

The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) has described the wanton destruction of the media equipment of AIT Port Harcourt by the Government of Rivers State as an embarrassing affront against the Nigerian judiciary and a barbaric act that is least expected from a democratically-elected government.

The action of Rivers State Government as a party in the lawsuit on this matter pending before the court is synonymous with 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 Elections Petition Tribunal.

Coordinating Chairman, Festus Kehinde, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the unfortunate step 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 in this state of the nation’s democracy.

The statement read: “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 nation’s political leaders, the media remains steadfast in ensuring the advancement of the nation’s unity and democratic governance.

“SNB further calls on government at all levels that rather than aggravating the financial crisis inflicted on the media as a result of poor economic policies, the government should partner with the media to jointly navigate the best possible routes of revamping the nation’s ailing economy and serious security challenges.”

According to Kehinde, Daar Communications, the owners of AIT, deserve to be adequately compensated for this act of omission on the part of the Government of Rivers State.