The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa state chapter, has condemned the demolition of Breeze FM 99.9, radio station in Lafia. The union described the action carried out by the state government, as “An assault on the media and threat to freedom of the press in the state.”
The state chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Dogo Shamah, made the statement while addressing newsmen shortly after officials of Nasarawa Urban Development Board demolished the radio house. Breeze FM 99.9, the first privately owned media outfit in the state, was recently commissioned by Gov. Umaru Al-Makura.
However, on May 12, barely two months after the commissioning, NUDB issued the management of the station with quit notice over allegations that the original plan of the structure had been violated. Despite explanations given by the management of the station, the board notified it on Friday that the demolition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breeze FM 99.9, the first privately owned media outfit in the state, was recently commissioned by Governor Umaru Al-Makura. However, on May 12, barely two months after the commissioning, NUDB issued the management of the station with quit notice over allegations that the original plan of the structure had been violated.
But HardReporters sources disclosed that the demolition was not unconnected to the broadcast of a news material concerning proposed strike by the state workers which was earlier rejected by the state owned media houses.
