By Alltimepost.com
The Nigerian Observer, property of Edo State Government and one of the spectacular legacies of two-time governor of the defunct Bendel State, now Edo, late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia may be sold any time soon, according to information reaching Alltimepost.com.
At the same time, while the Obaseki administration plans to privatize the company, it is committed to reinvesting in the sister company, Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) by restructuring it with the introduction of new technology for more efficiency.
Alltimepost.com gathered that the Nigerian Observer has suffered unprecedented neglect in the hands of successive administrations in the state, especially those run by politicians over the years who allegedly only saw and used the corporation as their drainpipe and propaganda machine.
Alltimepost.com investigation shows that since the news filtered out employees of the corporation at various levels have become apprehensive as to what would be their fate if the government goes on with the proposed plan, though there is speculation that they would be sent to other ministries, while many fear loss of their jobs.
At the corporation’s headquarters on Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State capital, tongues are wagging as employees, unsure of their fate, discuss the issue, details of which are still held very secret by the government.
“The Governor of Edo State is set to privatize The Nigerian Observer and only God knows what will happen to us the workers that are in the establishment as we don’t know our fate and what will happen to us.” An employee of the Observer who begged for anonymity told Alltimepost.com.
“Ogbemudia is no more, Oba Erediauwa is no more, these are the pillars of the existence of the Observer, but since they are no longer here with us the Governor has taken steps to sell the place to only God knows who?”
According to our findings, the plan to sell the Observer is coming on the heels of Obasiki’s government strategic plan, part of which was implemented last month through various workshop by the various ministries attached to the government.
In a document dated June 14, 2017 obtained by Alltimepost.com, entitled STRATEGIC RETREAT WORKSHOP, addressed to the state head of service and signed by Paul Okungbowa from the office of the Governor, the government proposed to privatize The Nigerian Observer.
“The legacy and the pride of the Edo people is about to be sold out. The government has issued a letter to that effect saying it will restructure and equip EBS with new and modern technology and one is beginning to wonder why the government can’t do same to Observer which play a very vital role to the winning of the tribunal case that brought Comrade Oshiomhole to power as the publication was presented as evidence in court,” another Observer staff told Alltimepost.com.
“Obaseki has forgotten that without Oshiomhole he will not and can never emerge as the governor of Edo state. The workers are confused and don’t know what to do as many of us have resulted to prayer as you cannot trust them anymore. God help us,” a very emotional staff said.
Unconfirmed source told Alltimepost.com that the General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Monday Aibge has been invited to a meeting with government officials to discuss the issue.
As at press time, Alltimepost.com could not reach any government officials for comments or reaction. Meanwhile, we are working on follow up reports on the Nigerian Observer.
Many people like me are very emotional about the Nigerian Observer. We cut our teeth here and are interested in what eventually becomes of the Nigerian Observer. For me, I think the present Nigerian Observer only belongs to the museums, and anything, even privatization, which can get it out of that museum is welcome.