Tension as Soludo mulls sacking over 200 National Light Newspaper workers, NUJ kicks

By Our correspondent

No fewer than 200 workers of Anambra State owned newspapers, National Light, may be sacked any moment soon.

Our correspondent gathered that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had during a state executive meeting,raised the issues of closing the newspaper house, citing poor productivity of the organization as reason to do so.

State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Odogwu Emeka had decried alleged closure plan, urging the governor to follow procedures for laying staff off in the civil service rules.

He argued that closing down the establishment would have negative toll on employees and their families, especially in view of the current economic realities.

Odogwu said,”The Secretary to State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu has finished writing a letter to close National Light Newspaper and Printing Corporation; and once Governor Chukwuma Soludo signs it, the organisation will be closed for good.

“I pray the government do the needful by following procedures of laying people off from the civil service and parastatal. The rule says that if you lay off, you still pay entitlements and enrol them into pension services.

“Were these considered? Laying off and paying entitlements may not be in line with his prudence stance,” he said.

Management of the media house, in a statement, said it was neither privy to nor in receipt of any document hinting or buttressing the alleged bid to shut it down.

But Commissioner for information, Paul Nwosu, admitted that the decision on the firm was still being discussed and would be made public soon