Senate Condemns Demolition of Breeze FM
By Victor Ernest
The Senate on Sunday condemned the recent demolition of Breeze 99.9 FM, a private radio station based in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Orientation and Information, who led other senators to the demolished structure, described the development as ”saddening and unfortunate”.
The Nasarawa Urban Development Board pulled down the building on May 20, citing alleged violation of land approval laws.
It also claimed that its action became necessary because the station’s facilities posed a health hazard to residents living close to it.
The management of the outfit has, however, rejected such claims, and accused government of hitting the station ”for political reasons”.
The station’s Executive Director, Dr. Nawani Aboki, told newsmen recently that government was angry that the media outfit had consistently given voices to all shades of opinions, especially since state government workers went on strike.
Solidarity
Adokwe said that the visit was to commiserate with the outfit’s management, relay the Senate’s condemnation of the demolition, and demonstrate support and solidarity.
”We condemn this action in its totality. It is reprehensible. It is uncalled for and undemocratic. That is why we are here. This trend should not be accepted in a democratic setting,” he said.
Adokwe said that he was particularly shocked at the speed with which the demolition took place.
The Senator advised the Nasarawa State Government to stop gagging the press, and stressed the need to allow the opposition to co-exist, thrive and express themselves in accordance with the law.
