Channels Television on Friday rubbished the allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying the property on which the station’s headquarters in Abuja is built was legally allotted and paid for in full.
The media outfit issued the explanation during its Thursday’s program, labeling the minister’s words as false and misleading.
Wike said this during a media interview on Wednesday that “the television station is making profit from public land allocated by the government and we are questioning the legality of its ownership of the property.”
“The land on which you built the Channels is public land. You are making money off of public property. Did you purchase it? Not at all. ‘It was given to you,’ the minister had remarked.
He also backed the government position on taxes for live television coverage, saying that media firms are not entitled to give the services free of charge.
Channels Television in its statement said its headquarters in Guzape region of Abuja was legitimately allocated to Channels Television on March 6, 2007 by a former FCT administration for commercial purposes.
The station said it had paid all the proper fees and statutory charges in full and rejected claims that the allocation was unlawful.
“That’s not right. Our national headquarters is situated on a property awarded to CTV for commercial use by the then FCT minister on March 6, 2007 in Guzape district of Abuja. “We can confirm that all fees and charges required have been paid in full,” the station reported.
Channels Television also defended the funds it receives for covering government events including the minister’s media chat saying live broadcasts come with great operational and technical expenditures.
See also 57 LAWYERS RAISED TO PRESTIGIOUS RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA
“Our prices are out there. We are a news and broadcast media company. “If you’re going to lock down one, two or three hours of airtime, of course you’re going to pay,” it said.
Such coverage involves outside broadcast equipment, technical teams and airtime allotment, the broadcaster said, adding that these information are normally revealed before airing.
Channels Television reiterated its editorial position and stated that it is devoted to professionalism, independence and balanced journalism nurtured over three decades.
“We will make sure to ask the right questions and protect the trust we have built over 30 years as a media organisation built on credibility, excellent journalism and balance,” it added.
The station also demanded that the FCT Minister provide thorough clarification on land allocations involving journalists and to ensure that all statutory requirements attendant to such allocations are properly addressed.
The exchange underscores the escalating tensions between government agencies and media companies over land administration and regulatory interpretations in the Federal Capital Territory.
About the Author
