Channels Television has dismissed claims made by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), concerning the allocation of the land housing its headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, Wike questioned the allocation of the Guzape property to the television station, alleging that the organisation was benefiting from government-owned land.
The minister also defended payments made for the live broadcast of the interview, arguing that media organisations do not provide such services free of charge.
“The land that you built Channels on is public land,” Wike said.
“You are making money out of the public property. Did you buy it? No. It was allocated to you.
“Am I not going to pay for a live interview? It is not free.”
Reacting during its Thursday broadcast, Channels Television described the minister’s remarks as inaccurate, stating that the land was legally allocated to the station for commercial use on March 6, 2007.
The station added that all statutory fees and charges attached to the property had been fully settled.
“It is not correct. The property which houses our national headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja was allocated to CTV on March 6, 2007, for commercial purposes by the then FCT minister,” the station said.
“We can confirm that all required fees and charges were fully paid.”
Channels Television also defended the payments received for airing the minister’s media chat, explaining that such broadcasts require outside broadcasting vans, technical personnel, and dedicated airtime.
The broadcaster said it would continue asking “the right questions” while maintaining the credibility and trust it has built over the years.
The station further called on the FCT minister to provide clarification on allegations relating to land allocated to journalists, insisting that all applicable fees for such properties should be properly paid.
“Our fees are out there. We are a news and broadcast media organisation. So, if you are going to lock down one, two, or three hours of airtime, of course you will pay,” the statement added.