Workers of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) have decried non-payment of 18 months salaries, poor working condition, obsolete equipment and lack of service vehicle to convey reporters to and from their beats.
The aggrieved workers, who pleaded anonymity, called on the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to, in the spirit of ARISE Agenda, come to their aid and rescue the corporation from imminent collapse.
They expressed disappointment and wondered why the state broadcasting corporation, which was once influential and effective, could decay rapidly to a caricature of its past.
”It’s a disgrace that the state-owned radio and television stations cannot be compared with privately-owned stations in Akwa Ibom. Our equipment and infrastructure are in a sorry state; our condition of service is pathetic. Our working environment cannot be compared to any other private station in Akwa Ibom. We feel ashamed to identify ourselves as AKBC workers.
“Does it mean owners of private radio and TV in the state are richer than the Akwa Ibom State government”? they asked.
According to a Director, who says he has a few years to retire, ”AKBC has operated for years without a vehicle to enhance productivity. Most of the beats are off-town and with the current cost of transportation, reporters cannot access their beats, that’s why many of our programmes are lost and the quality of our reportage is dwindling in a steady progression.
”AKBC was a powerful medium that projected the state government and its policies, and also promoted the rich culture and showcased Akwa Ibom talents during the Godswill Akpabio’s administration, but today, private stations have buried AKBC”, according to the Director.
“Today, people don’t tune to AKBC. The fate of AKBC is hanging in the balance with no hope in the near future”, another staff member said.
When contacted, Public Relations Officer of the AKBC, Mrs. Mercy David, agreed that the staff were owed some stipends, but described them as non-permanent staff of AKBC.
On allegations of no vehicle, she denied knowledge of the present situation of the vehicle, but acknowledged that AKBC has a vehicle.
