The two trade unions in the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Rivers on Monday morning locked the gate of the establishment to prevent the management team led by Mr Samson Fiberesima from gaining access.
The unions led by Lekia Anya( NUJ) and Raph Zabbey ( Rattawu) also galvanized the staff of the Corporation to protest as early as 6:30 am current matters reports.
Speaking with current matters, the unions expressed lack of confidence in the General manager and his team.
They cited maladministration and alleged financial recklessness, neglect of operational facilities and equipment-Unending off – air syndrome,Safety , Hygiene and Sanitation issues among others as reason for the protest
The unions stated that the management does not have what it takes to run the station as decay currently stares the
previously rated No 1 station in Nigeria in the face saying” enough is enough.”
According to them, the protest was the resolution of Congress after several options for dialogue with the management on derivables failed. They also claimed to have drawn the attention of the government to the abysmal state of the station and appealed to Governor Sim Fubara to as a matter of urgency wade in to alleviate the pathetic situation of the station.
Some of the workers who spoke to current matters expressed disappointment with the General Manager, saying” we want a change of the management team.
” We are no longer relevant in the broadcast industry because of the lack of direction of the management.
” Everyday, our station goes off air. You can’t believe that we’ve been off – air since last Wednesday and our management doesn’t care.
” As we speak, the conveniences are bad and workers can’t use them. Casual staff have yet to be paid 14 months salary,the studios – On Air and Recording are dilapidated and management doesn’t care. Reptiles have found a safe haven in offices and studios, yet the management doesn’t care.And when you go to the GM to complain, there’s always the blame game . We are tired of this.
” We want the State Government to come to our aid. We can’t bear this anymore”, they said.
The unions also pasted placards at the gate of the radio station and some of them readi” We say no to maladministration and sabotage in Radio Rivers,” Mismanagement of funds not following due process”Gov Sim Please save Radio Rivers”.
Below is a copy of letter the joint union sent to the state governor on the situation.
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