Edo Gov Sacks Observer Newspaper’s Workers

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sacked staff of the Bendel Newspapers Corporation Limited, BNCL, the publishers of the state-owned Nigerian Observer.

The sacked staff were employed by the Godwin Obaseki, former Governor, while reorganising the state-owned media parastatals. During the period, all workers of the organisation were deployed to various ministries, departments, and agencies except only one information technology staff, while casual staff were all relieved of their appointments.

Also, Obaseki leased out the printing section of the establishment.

It was gathered that the staff of the section have been on strike over the non-payment of about three months’ salary.

In place of the sacked staff, the state government appointed Mr Sylvester Oboh as an interim head to oversee the day-to-day running of the corporation.

A statement by Dr Desmond Agbama, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Communication and Orientation, said the appointment of the interim head was a result of the dissolution of political appointees of the establishment by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The letter titled “Assumption of Office as Interim Head of Bendel Newspapers Corporation,” dated November 18, 2024, was addressed to Mr Sylvester Oboh by the permanent secretary of the ministry.

The letter added that Sylvester Oboh’s appointment subsists pending the appointment of a substantive general manager.

“I am directed to refer to the above subject and to inform you to resume the Headship of the Bendel Newspapers Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian Observer, pending the appointment of a substantive General Manager.

“This became necessary following the dissolution of the political appointees of the establishment by Governor Monday Okpebholo,” the permanent secretary wrote.

Meanwhile, at a meeting with the former staff of the organisation, the permanent secretary ordered all the staff to return to the corporation, with a further directive to resume administrative and editorial functions with immediate effect.

“You all are aware that there is no vacuum in governance and public administration, and for that reason, everyone is expected to go back to their offices and work for the collective good of the establishment and progress of governance in terms of information dissemination.

“All modalities will be considered and properly articulated towards ensuring that you have all that is necessary for efficient service delivery, including additional hands where there are perceived gaps,” he added.

It was further gathered that sacked Observer Newspapers staff were employed by Governor Obaseki as political aides.