“Of particular concern are reports that, during engagements with government officials, Comrade Kolapo Carew has presented himself as the serving RATTAWU Chairman, despite the existence of the current elected leadership.”
The Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), BCOS Chapter, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, has appealed to a former chairman of the union, Comrade Kolapo Carew, to respect the current leadership structure and support efforts to address the challenges confronting the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).
Faleti made the appeal in a statement addressing concerns over alleged interference in union activities, conflicting representations to government officials and the need for greater cooperation between RATTAWU and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the two in-house unions at the corporation.
The RATTAWU chairman stressed that unity, transparency and respect for established union leadership were essential to protecting workers’ welfare and securing the future of BCOS. He also acknowledged Carew’s past service to the union while urging him to allow the current executives to discharge their responsibilities without unnecessary interference.
Read the full statement below:
AN APPEAL TO KOLA CAREW FOR UNITY, TRANSPARENCY AND RESPECT FOR UNION LEADERSHIP
I wish to use this opportunity to make a sincere appeal to Comrade Kolapo Carew to desist from any actions or statements that could undermine the efforts of the two in house unions in BCOS: RATTAWU and NUJ.
As union leaders, we have continued to engage relevant government officials and stakeholders in our efforts to address the challenges facing BCOS and its workforce.
Unfortunately, on several occasions, we have received feedback suggesting that the difficulties confronting the Corporation are partly connected to disagreements and conflicting representations within the union structure.
We have repeatedly asked for clarification because our priority is to find solutions, not to create further divisions.
Of particular concern are reports that, during engagements with government officials, Comrade Carew has presented himself as the serving RATTAWU Chairman, despite the existence of the current elected leadership.
As Chairman of RATTAWU BCOS Chapter, I consider it important that the legitimate leadership structure of the union is respected. Such conflicting representations, if established, can create confusion, weaken the credibility of our engagements and make it difficult for government stakeholders to understand who officially represents the union.
A similar concern arose today at the BCOS premises when the incoming Governor of APM, Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi, visited the Corporation for an interview.
After the programme, representatives of the two in house unions NUJ and RATTAWU approached him to discuss the challenges facing BCOS and its staff.
He gave us his attention and, during the discussion, requested our account details, indicating that he would consider sending some financial assistance.
We respectfully clarified that our primary purpose was not to solicit money but to seek attention to the condition of BCOS and the welfare of its workers. He explained that he was already behind schedule for another engagement and asked us to forward the details.
However, while the discussion was ongoing, *Carew* intervened, saying that he would handle the matter. Hon. Adekanbi Immididiately questioned what exactly he intended to handle, since the union representatives were already engaging him directly and added Ojú àwo ni àwo fi ń gba obè.
This incident reinforces the need for clarity, coordination and respect for the recognised representatives of the unions.
Let me make it clear, the efforts of RATTAWU and NUJ are not driven by personal interests, political ambition or a desire for recognition.
Our responsibility is to protect workers, defend their welfare and contribute meaningfully to the survival and progress of BCOS. We are not in competition with anyone, and we do not intend to turn the Corporation into a platform for personal disagreements.
I am therefore concerned that actions which create confusion or give government officials conflicting information about the unions may further damage the relationship between BCOS and its stakeholders.
I also urge everyone, including those in positions of influence, to avoid allowing personal interests or disagreements to take precedence over the collective interest of the workforce.
Comrade Carew, I respectfully appeal to you to allow the current leadership of RATTAWU and the NUJ to carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary interference.
Your past service and contributions to the union are acknowledged, but leadership responsibilities must be guided by the constitution, established procedures and respect for the mandate of the current executives.
No individual should become bigger than the institution or the union they once served. Positions are temporary, and every leadership tenure eventually comes to an end. What matters most is the legacy we leave behind and whether our actions have helped or hindered the people we were elected to serve.
We must stop working at cross purposes. We must stop sending conflicting messages to government officials. Above all, we must put the interests of BCOS workers before personal differences.
The responsibility to move BCOS forward belongs to all of us. Let us not become obstacles to the very progress we claim to desire.
Comrade Adeniyi Faleti*
Chairman, RATTAWU BCOS Chapter
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