The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) have condemned the demolition of African Independent Television (AIT) media equipment by the Rivers State Government in Portharcourt, noting that it is an embarrassing affront against the Nigerian Judiciary.
Penpushing reports that Coordinating Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), Festus Kehinde stated this in reaction to the wanton destruction of the equipment, stressing that the action was barbaric 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 to a malicious political gangup 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’, Kehinde wrote.
‘This 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 at this stage of the nation’s democracy’, he added.
Penpushing further reports that the body of broadcasters pointed out that the action is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by all lovers of justice and equity in the country and beyond, which include other well-meaning Nigerians and professional bodies.
The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SBN) equally called 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’, the statement noted.
Penpushing also reports that the society called on government at all levels that rather than aggravating the financial crisis inflicted on the media as a result of poor economic policies it should partner with the media to jointly navigate the best possible routes of revamping the nation’s ailing economy and serious security challenges.
The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SBN) in the statement declared that Daar Communications the owners of African Independent Television (AIT), deserves to be adequately compensated for this act of omission on the part of government of River State.
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