REPORTED ARMED ATTACK ON 99.5 WISH FM PORT HARCOURT- OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE GUILD
We, the members of the National Guild of Radio Managers (Private) – a professional network of FM Radio Broadcast General/Station Managers from both Digital or Terrestrial formats operating in Nigeria received with great shock, the news of the attack on the offices and Broadcast Studios of Wish99.5FM Port Harcourt- a privately owned FM Broadcast establishment situated in Rivers State. We have it on good authority that the attack conducted by yet to be verified assailants happened by 8:40pm on Tuesday, 21st February 2023 at the Wish99.5FM’s operational premises. Even though thankfully, no life was lost except for damages to equipment and the facilities. However, as a Guild, we condemn in its entirety this brazen attack on our member organization for whatever reason – political, criminal or otherwise. The Media is not the enemy of the people, it was never planned to be, neither does its mandate, ethics or professional calling require that we do anything inimical to the peace and progress of the society.
The attacks on Media organizations in recent times is a cause for concern, dastardly acts committed under the guise of mostly politically motivated “causes”- we have seen broadcast media establishments attacked and burnt in Lagos, demolished in Ibadan, guest analysts abducted while live-on-air in Imo, broadcasts journalists kidnapped in Ibadan and now gestapo-styled bomb attack in Port Harcourt. Where next? Is this the new fad in a democratic setting where the Watchdog is being hounded just for existing. For whatever reason Wish99.5FM was attacked by whoever, to achieve whatever ends, it stands condemned by our Guild and we sincerely hope it never occurs again. We call on the State Governor – H.E Barr. Nyesom Wike, a veritable partner of the media to file this matter under Extreme Importance in his priority catalog and direct Security agencies to properly investigate and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime against Press Freedom to book.
We also urge our members and their organizations as well as all journalists to apply caution in conducting their official business in this volatile period, but irrespective of the present situation – ensure they deliver on the professional demands of their calling of ensuring the facts, the promoting the truth with balance is upheld. We stand by the ownership and management of Wish99.5FM Port Harcourt at this trying time as we express gratitude to God for sparing human life in this incident. We bring you the assurances of support of the entire Guild membership across Nigeria led by me and we pray that Wish99.5FM shall rise and thrive again!
Once again, please accept the assurances of our warmest regards
Yours Sincerely,
Amb. Patrick Uzoyi-Peters JP
National President
