The Coalition of Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the destruction of DAAR Communications mast and building by the Rivers state government.
DAAR Communications is the owner of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM.
On Monday, the organisation said officials of the Rivers government, accompanied by security personnel, carried out the “operations” that resulted in the collapse of its assets in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Thursday, the coalition said the state government’s action is a grave infringement on the fundamental principles of free speech, press freedom and the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution.
“The continuous suppression of media outlets in Nigeria threatens to tear the democratic fabric of Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“We, therefore, call on the Rivers State government to ensure that any regulatory action against this media organization is conducted transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the rule of law.
“To safeguard and protect the rights of journalists and media workers by allowing them to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“We must uphold Nigeria’s commitment to international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of expression and information, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
