By Rabiu Sanusi
The management of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) has dismissed as misleading and inaccurate a report alleging widespread tree felling and commercial timber activities within the premises of the state-owned television station.
Reacting to the publication by The Historica Nigeria, ARTV management described the report as unbalanced and lacking professional diligence, arguing that the platform failed to seek the station’s official position before publishing the story.
According to the management, neither the office of the Managing Director, Hajiya Hauwa Isa Ibrahim, nor any relevant authority within the organization was contacted to verify the allegations contained in the report.
“The publication was carried out without recourse to the management of ARTV or any responsible official of the station. Fundamental principles of journalism require that all parties be given a fair hearing, especially when serious allegations are involved,” the management stated.
ARTV further challenged the report’s claim that extensive tree felling was taking place within the station’s premises, maintaining that only a limited number of trees were removed.
According to the station, no more than two or three trees were affected, contrary to the impression created by the publication that a large-scale environmental degradation exercise was underway.
The management explained that the trees were removed from specific locations after security assessments revealed that the area had become a hideout for suspected miscreants and other criminal elements who allegedly used the dense vegetation as cover for unlawful activities.
Officials said the decision was taken in the interest of improving security within the premises and protecting staff, visitors and neighbouring residents from potential threats.
“The action was a necessary security measure and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to destroy the environment or engage in any form of commercial timber business,” the statement added.
ARTV also rejected allegations that the removed trees were being sold for commercial gain, insisting that no evidence had been presented to support such claims.
The management reaffirmed the station’s commitment to environmental conservation and responsible management of public assets, noting that ARTV remains conscious of the importance of preserving green spaces and maintaining a healthy environment.
While urging members of the public to disregard what it described as a distorted narrative, the station called on media organizations to uphold professional standards by verifying information and seeking responses from all concerned parties before publication.
The controversy follows an online report alleging that several mature trees had been cut down within the ARTV premises a claim the station insists was exaggerated and published without proper verification.
