An alleged move by the powers from above to hoist a Northerner as the Editor-in-Chief at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is threatening to disrupt the operations of the Federal Government-owned news organization.
Staff are already spoiling for another battle, vowing that it would not happen, as the agency must stick to its progression structure which favours the most senior for appointments into positions.
Petitions have begun to fly around with the affected staff insist on the right thing being done not only to maintain the tradition that has been established over the years, vowing to go on strike if that was what it would take to make the people who are trying to skew the process to see reasons.
Amongst those the agitators have taken their case to was the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, pleading with him to intervene in the matter before things get out of hand.
An annonymous told Whirlwindnews.com that the workers might be forced to take the strike option if those intent on doing the wrong thing eventually have their way, in installing the least qualified for the job.
“Another rounds of strike brewing in NAN as three member board expresses ethnics sentiments in the choice of new Editor-in-Chief.
“The position is expected to be vacant on November 22 that will require an Igbo to take over who happens to be the most senior editorial staff, since NAN is based on career progression. But a junior Hausa man is being projected for the third time take over.
“The board formerly headed by late Wada Maida failed twice to install the same person as the ministry reversed the board. Unless the ministry intervenes again they would succeed in their evil plot.
“Six of us senior deputy directors did promotion exam duly cleared by the board but the Hausa man and another were promoted even though all of us passed.
“A Yoruba who is the Managing Director, a former staff of NAN reneged on his earlier position of supporting an Igboman. The union NUJ is spoiling for another strike.
“Recal that NAN went on strike for the first time under Bayo Onanuga that prevented him from getting a second term.
“As we speak, six petitions are before the ministry waiting for the Minister’s intervention before Nov. 22 when the present Editor-in-Chief position will lapse.” the annonymous said.