AIT Workers Shut Down Benin Station Over 17 Months Unpaid Salaries

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, June 25th, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara, Benin City – The Edo state station of DAAR Communications Limited, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM, were on Wednesday shut down by the workers over non-payment of 17 months backlog salaries.

AFRICAN EXAMINER reports that the aggrieved workers of the media outfit, took over the entrance to the premises of the broadcast outfit located along the Iqueniro Road, Benin bypass.

They had during the protest, shut down the station’s broadcast, alleging high-handedness by the management.

The workers said they have been living in penury while some management officials were in opulence.

According to the placard-carrying protesters, “we were miffed that our employers were sacking workers in the face of its failure to pay salaries.

They said just recently, a manager allegedly told the Abuja headquarters that working with contract workers would be more convenient than having permanent staff.

Efforts to get the Benin Station Manager and Head of AIT, Oyeghe Oyarekhua, and Head of Ray Power, Osadolor Igiozee react to the development hit the brick wall, as they were said to be indisposed.

Also, the station’s Head of Marketing, Baimoh Emozozo, could not be reached.

Newsmen, were told that enquiries should be directed to the Abuja headquarters of the organisation.

One of the senior staff who do not want his name in print said:: “Everything here is about salaries and these are issues handled by the headquarters.

“So we will advise that enquiries be directed to Abuja, but I can assure you that management is working to ensure all is well.” he stated.