Lagos laments alleged attack on state broadcast stations

The Lagos State Government has lamented destruction visited on the broadcast stations of the LTV, Radio Lagos/Eko 89.7FM and Traffic Radio.

Recall that the staff of the stations had been on strike since Monday to press home their demands tor the implementation of minimum wage and for government to put about the 400 workers on the civil service payroll.

A statement by Afolabi Ayantayo, Lagos State Commissioner, Establishments and Training, said, the stations – LTV, Radio Lagos/Eko 89.7FM and Traffic Radio – have been forced off the air for 48 hours by some workers who tore down studio doors and assaulted presenters.

“They switched off transmitters and cut off cables – in unprecedented acts of violence captured on video. Many workers were whipped for shunning the strike, which was to force the government to put about 400 workers on the civil service payroll.

“Despite the channels of communication open to the unions by the state, the leadership of NLC, RATTAWU, and NUJ chose the path of violence – in language and actions.

“The strike, which the managers have described as an attack and disrespect for the authorities, has left doubts about the desire of the leadership of NLC, RATTAWU and NUJ in Lagos to ensure an amicable resolution of the crisis.”

The commissioner added that that leaders of the unions had again been invited to another meeting on Wednesday (today) on the issues in dispute.