BCOS workers expressed anger after RATTAWU cancelled a planned congress over security concerns, with unresolved issues over salaries, deductions and a suspended union leader.
The planned congress of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) chapter, was abruptly cancelled on Wednesday following security concerns, triggering frustration among workers who had gathered to discuss several pressing welfare issues.
The congress, scheduled to hold at the BCOS premises in Ibadan, was expected to address concerns surrounding outstanding salaries and allowances, cooperative deductions reportedly running into about N100 million, agricultural deductions, union deductions, and the controversial suspension of a union official, Mr. Aliyu Bashiru.
Security operatives were seen stationed at the venue before the meeting was due to commence, creating uncertainty among workers and union leaders.
Speaking at the venue, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, Mr. Ademola Balogun, said neither the union executives nor the corporation’s management had prior knowledge of the deployment of security personnel.
According to him, the police officers on ground reportedly stated that they had been directed by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to be present at the corporation.
“We do not know why they are here. The management also said they are unaware. The police officers informed us that they were directed to come by the Commissioner of Police. We do not know whether their presence is in our favour or otherwise,” Balogun said.
Following consultations, RATTAWU leadership announced the cancellation of the congress, citing security concerns and the need to maintain peace within the corporation.
Addressing disappointed members, RATTAWU Chairman, Mr. Adeniyi Faleti, apologised for the development, explaining that the union had been advised by management not to proceed with the gathering.
Faleti urged members to remain calm while efforts were made to resolve the issues that led to the cancellation.
However, many workers expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, insisting that the congress should have been allowed to proceed peacefully.
Several members argued that the purpose of the gathering was strictly to discuss welfare matters affecting staff and not to create unrest.
One aggrieved worker stated that members had assembled solely for dialogue and not confrontation.
“We are not here to fight anybody. We came to discuss issues affecting us just as we have always done. Let security personnel do their work while we hold our discussions peacefully inside the hall,” the worker said.
Representing BCOS management, the Deputy Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Adewale Tijani, appealed to workers to remain calm and support efforts aimed at resolving the disputes.
“I am here on behalf of management. The congress has been suspended in the interest of peace. We should not allow emotions to take over and create a situation that could worsen matters. Until these issues are properly addressed, the congress should not hold,” he said.
Also speaking, the General Manager of BCOS, Mrs. Taiwo Adebowale, appealed for understanding from members, noting that security concerns had become a major issue across Oyo State in recent times.
She warned against allowing individuals to hijack the gathering for purposes different from those originally intended.
“We understand the concerns of staff members. However, we must ensure that the situation does not escalate beyond control. Let us maintain peace and allow the necessary processes to take place,” she said.
Adebowale further disclosed that some members of staff were expected to receive payments on Wednesday and urged workers to remain patient and law-abiding.
Despite repeated calls from workers, management officials did not provide any fresh update regarding the suspension of union official, Mr. Aliyu Bashiru, whose disciplinary case remains unresolved.
The controversy surrounding Bashiru’s suspension has continued to generate debate among workers within the corporation.
Earlier reports indicated that the disciplinary action stemmed from allegations that Bashiru circulated a voice note on an internal staff communication platform that management considered capable of inciting workers against the leadership of the organisation.
Bashiru has consistently denied the allegation, maintaining that his comments were misunderstood and were never intended to cause division or unrest within the corporation.
The issue emerged amid concerns over the reported deaths of several BCOS staff members in recent months, a development that reportedly created anxiety and emotional distress among employees.
According to accounts from union members, Bashiru had encouraged workers to engage in prayers for the protection, welfare and wellbeing of staff members following the incidents.
Management, however, reportedly viewed the communication differently, arguing that the manner in which it was presented could be interpreted as an attempt to stir opposition against the corporation’s leadership.
With the congress now suspended and key welfare issues still unresolved, workers are awaiting further engagement between union leaders and management to determine the next steps.
The cancellation has left many staff members demanding answers on salary-related concerns, deductions and the future of the suspended union official, issues that remain at the centre of growing tensions within the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.
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