Outcry as Makinde demolishes BCOS staff quarters

Despite appeal from the Oyo State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Governor Seyi Makinde-led government yesterday commenced the demolition of the staff quarters of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

Labour unions in Oyo State had on Tuesday kicked against the planned demolition of the staff quarters.

The BCOS staff quarters, comprising 21 blocks of flats housing junior staff and 25 chalets, housing senior workers, was constructed by the military administration of retired Brig.-Gen David Jemibewon.

The leaders of the various unions had joined the BCOS chapters of their unions in protest against the planned demolition, which started as early as 7a.m on Tuesday.
The BCOS workers led by their union leaders, Abiodun Akinkunle, of NUJ chapel and Kola Carew of RATTAWU chapter had mobilised their colleagues to protest the planned demolition.

State TUC Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogundiran, and the state NUJ Chairman Mr. Ademola Babalola, had led their members into two separate meetings to ensure the state government has a rethink over the matter.

“We are very particular about the critical staff. We wouldn’t want anything that will affect the services being rendered by BCOS. There have to be room for expansion.

“We are also taking into cognizance the futuristic development of this corporation. We have submitted our requests to the BCOS management and hope they would work on them,” he said.
Babalola expressed worry over government’s plan to demolish quarters housing some of their members working with BCOS.

He called on the state government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to have a rethink on the plan.