For a second time, the transmission mast of FM radio station belonging to an aide of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State collapsed Wednesday morning, March 24, almost leading to the loss of lives.
The latest incident came after the facility, owned by Mixx Radio 88.7FM located at Shelter Afrique Estate in Uyo, the State capital, suffered a partial collapse on January 7.
The new station is built and owned by Mr. Friday Ben, also known as Dollie Popman, the Special Assistant on Protocol to Governor Udom.
On Wednesday, residents living close to the mast escaped death and injuries by the whiskers as the station’s re-erected transmission mast – which was reconstructed in defiance to a court action – collapsed again following a downpour.
Following the first collapse, the residents led by Larry Ettah, the immediate past Group Managing Director of UAC of Nigeria Plc, petitioned the government, wondering why such a structure was erected in a residential estate in the first instance.
Mr Ettah, through a law firm, Victor Iyanam & Co, subsequently filed a suit (HU/53/2021) at Uyo High Court on February 16, 2021, with Mr Friday Ben, Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources and Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company listed as respondents/defendants.
The suit seeks an order of “interlocutory injunction” to restrain the governor’s aide Dollie Popman from “constructing, building, continuing to build or in any way reconstructing the collapsed mast at House No. K03. Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, serving the MIXX RADIO 88.7FM, or using the said Mast for radio transmission or for any purpose in order to avert a major catastrophe to the Plaintiff and other residents and property owners within 110-metre radius of the Mast.”
