Rivers gov’t serves AIT demolition notice

The government of Rivers State has issued a 48 hours demolition notice to the management of the African Independent Television (AIT), Port Harcourt.

A memo dated March 20, 2023, and signed by the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Works said the structures housing AIT/Raypower offices in the state constituted an impediment to a proposed project in the state.

The memo reads in part: “To whom it may concern, Proposed G.R.A Phase 5 Ozuoba, Port Harcourt. Demolition Notice.

“Following the imminent commencement of the above project. All structures 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 structures within 48 hours to allow for speedy progress of work, please.”

Speculations from different quarters say that the notice may be connected to the rift between the founder of AIT, Raymond Dokpesi, who has a running battle with Wike over his decision to support PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

Many properties belonging to Abubakar’s supporters in Rivers State have been targeted for destruction by the state government for flimsy reasons.