Atiku Condemns Demolition of AIT’s Building

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has condemned yesterday’s demolition of building belonging to DAAR Communications PLC in Abuja by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA).

In a short statement yesterday issued from his official Twitter account, @Atiku, the former Vice-President said the demolition exercise was an attempt to muzzle the freedom of the press.

He wrote, “I received with concern reports of demolition of structures in @AIT_Online premises in Abuja. Freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and nothing must be done to emasculate it and bring our democracy to its knees. -AA”.

Yesterday a team of operatives from the FCDA with policemen stormed the Kpaduma Hills headquarters of DAAR Communications in Asokoro district of Abuja to demolish the gate house of the building. It was gathered that the FCDA in the past raised concerns about the said structure which according to reports was later resolved with the management of DAAR.

DAAR Communications PLC owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM was founded by high chief Raymond Dokpesi. The demolition may not be unconnected with the running battles Dokpesi had with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Dokpesi was accused of collecting N2.1b from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki but has maintained innocence claiming the money was for services his company rendered to the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Few weeks ago Dokpesi was arrested and detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport in Abuja on return from a medical treatment from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He was reportedly held on account of “orders from above” according to Immigration officials and was later released.