By SULAIMAN ALEDEH

Every lie has an expiry date. I initially chose to remain silent in response to your recent statements, but the level of distortion and misinformation in your remarks Is so egregious that I feel compelled to set the record straight. It is disappointing to see a supposed Christian resort to fabrications rather than seeking the truth. Real leaders ask questions and seek understanding before making unfounded accusations.

You claim that the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) is flourishing under the current administration. Let?s unpack that narrative with facts, shall we? Upon my assumption of the role as the Managing Director, EBS was in a state of utter disrepair. There was not a single operational vehicle for news coverage, rendering us virtually immobile. The newsroom was non-functional, and I was faced with the daunting task of activating our operations. To this end, I opened my own wallet, using personal funds to purchase fuel and necessary resources. The situation was, quite frankly, an embarrassment.

Furthermore, it?s staggering to consider that in today?s digital age, I have photos and videos showing editors and reporters typing news stories by hand?yes, writing on notepads with pen and paper! Not a single desktop computer could be found in the newsroom or even in my office, thus showcasing a complete failure of the previous administration to equip EBS for modern broadcasting.

Let?s address your claims regarding EBS?s power supply. Did you even bother to verify your statements with Ossiomo? The narrative that EBS was deliberately shut down during a governor?s visit is not only false but absurd. I have comprehensive documentation, including call logs and texts, evidencing our communications with Ossiomo about power delivery. The people of Edo know that EBS has consistently faced interruptions and challenges in broadcasting. As it stands, EBS is off the air due to prolonged neglect, not just scarcity of power. Sources inform me that the station ?went down? a few days prior to the elections! Yes, EBS is no longer on Terrestrial! So, who is responsible for this, if not those in charge?

Your mention of generators and power enhancements is a smokescreen to mask the underlying issues. While you tout the purported benefits of being connected to the Ossiomo Power Plant, you conveniently ignore the fact that our broadcast capabilities have been hindered by the leasing out of one of the vital relay stations during the last administration. You claim success while the very infrastructure meant to ensure operational continuity has been allowed to rot or disappear altogether.

Moreover, let?s talk about the people?the 60 talented individuals employed under the last administration who have yet to receive a single dime since their hiring in August 2024. Do you understand the weight of false hope you are compounding? This is not just administrative negligence; it affects lives! I, too, am grappling with their plight, exploring avenues to regularize their employment and ensure they receive their hard-earned salaries. Their continued wait is a scandal that should shame anyone who refers to themselves as a leader.

And let?s not ignore the egregious acts which occurred as the previous administration was winding down. I have reputable evidence indicating that valuable equipment, including DStv decoders and other resources, vanished during the transition. How can you hold up a fa?ade of success while ignoring these serious breaches of trust and responsibility? One of those responsible for the disappearance of these items is now a serving Permanent Secretary. It is precisely this kind of negligence and mismanagement that we are trying to correct!

Your cavalier attitude suggests a profound lack of understanding of how to operate an effective media organization and a blatant disregard for the facts. EBS was built upon the vision and efforts of the exceptional individuals within it. Yet, under your regime, it has drifted towards dependency on government funding instead of the self-sustainability we all strive for.

I stand firmly committed to justice and the truth. My focus is on rebuilding EBS from the rubble left behind. My team and I are ready to tackle the monumental challenges head-on, but you must refrain from clouding our efforts with your unfounded attacks and misguided narratives.

The time has come for you to step aside and allow us to concentrate on the necessary hard work required to restore and elevate EBS. Truth and transparency should be our guiding principles as we seek to provide the people of Edo with the quality broadcasting service they deserve.

Let?s put aside the theatrics and engage in collaborative efforts aimed at advancing Edo. The challenges are real, and I invite you to join us in addressing them, rather than hiding behind a veil of deception and distortion.

?Sulaiman Aledeh, Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), writes from Benin City

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