The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has appealed to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to rescind his 48hours notice to DAAR Communications Limited to quit its property hosting its television and radio stations, African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM, respectively.

The Rivers State chapter of NAWOJ, which made this appeal on Sunday, March 26, 2023 via a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, and Secretary, Ngozi Anosike, PhD, called on Wike to explore other options of resolving the issues at stake.  

“The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has followed the relationship between the Rivers State Government and DAAR Communications Limited, the owners of AIT/RayPower FM, with keen interest.

“As a corporate umbrella under which women journalists actualise their professional calling and contribute their quota in nation building, we are aware of the issues you have raised.

“However, we are worried of the recent notice by the state Ministry of Works to demolish the office of AIT, if it was not relocated within 48 hours.

“On this, NAWOJ passionately pleads with Your Excellency to rescind the decision, while other amicable options are explored to resolve whatever the issues and differences may be.

The Association urged the Rivers State Governor to consider the ripple effects his decision would have the employees, their families and other aspects of the society that are caught up inadvertently in the imbroglio.

“We plead with you to consider the shocks and losses which employees, their households, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders will be exposed to in the era of high unemployment and poverty being experienced in the country if the business is forcefully shut down.

NAWOJ will, therefore, appreciate it much if you not only listen to and add the voice of women journalists particularly in your domain (Rivers State) to the interventions by various professional associations and well-meaning Nigerians, but also grant our appeal to rescind your demolishing AIT Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”

The Rivers State Government, through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Ebere Emenike, had issued a 48hours ultimatum to DAAR Communications to vacate the property under review or have it demolished.