Closure of Daily Independent: Lagos NUJ calls for sack of MD
The
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, has condemned
the use of armed policemen to harass and intimidate members of staff as
well as sealing-off of the premises of Daily Independent Newspapers in
Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos by its Managing Director, Mr. Ted Iwere.
Following the action of Iwere, the Lagos NUJ is calling for his immediate sack.
In
a statement signed by its chairman, Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Bimbo
Oyetunde, the Union viewed the use of police personnel to lock out the
workers as an affront and insensitivity to the plight of workers.
According
to the statement, “despite owing workers of the media outfit 23 months
arrears of salaries, frustration and demotion of staff, management
holding on to over four million Naira contribution of members to staff
cooperative fund and non remittance of pension funds, among others, the
Union had explored all avenues to dialogue with the management to
resolve the issues but to no avail. Now, all the management feels it can
do is to lock out the workers and use the police to intimidate them.
“In
view of the above therefore, Lagos NUJ is calling for the sack of Ted
Iwere with immediate effect for gross incompetence, misconduct and
unprofessional attitude displayed so far.”
The statement further
called for the immediate vacation of the premises by the police and the
re-opening of the newspaper office.
The statement added that
failure to heed to the demands of the Union might lead to serious
industrial dispute with the management.
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