•Chief Igbinedion: owner of Independent Television

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, is not happy at the moment. The entrepreneur feels his Independent Television, ITV, was attacked and razed by some people opposed to him for reasons he cannot fathom.

The television station’s studio was gutted last Saturday and preliminary reports showed that the fire incident was caused by an electric surge.

But the Benin chief does not think so. To him, the fire was caused by some people who had been threatening to attack him. And these people, he said must not go unpunished.

However, their punishment lies with God as the Esama says he would take the alleged attackers’ case to the church adding that the aim of those who set fire on the studio was to make take the station off air till after the general elections.

Igbinedion made this promise when he paid a visit to the studio of the Benin, Edo State-based television station to assess the level of destruction. He disclosed that he does not make any profit from the media house but had constantly operated it because of his passion to educate and enlighten people.

Igbinedion said he came to the conclusion that the studio was attacked by his enemies because days before the incident, he had received series of threats through text messages and telephone calls and that he lodged a report with some security agencies in the state.

“We have been pre-warned and had enough threat. More than four occasions, I sent letters of threat and telephone calls to the police and the Director of DSS.”

“All of you have heard what ITV has been going through for saying the truth. Nobody has faulted us for saying what does not happen. I told people that for more than nine years, I have not been to this place though I have an office here. It is only taking money from me and not earning money for me.

“It is for people to enjoy and hear what is happening in the state. I keep funding the station.
He promised to construct a new digital television studio within 60 days.

“Within 60 days, we will build a better digital studio. We will bring latest digital equipment that will surprise people. They cannot deter me, they cannot stop me.

“I am leaving it in the hands of God. I am going to take summons in the church. The perpetrators cannot go unpunished. Those who connived, heard and execute will face the wrath of God.

“If it is a surge, the wires would be melted. Detection is the first work I did in the police. Only a stupid person will say it is a surge. They thought that they will take us off air till after the elections,” he said.