Response to Allegations of Neglect by Sahara Reporters

The management of the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Aso Radio and Television, has dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, owed staff salaries and abandoned the state-owned media organisation.

Background of the Allegations

Sahara Reporters had in the controversial report accused the Minister of neglecting Aso Radio and Television, alleging months of unpaid salaries and poor funding of the corporation. However, the ABC in the statement claim that the report was fabricated to tarnish the Minister’s reputation and misrepresent the facts.

Official Response from Abuja Broadcasting Corporation

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Acting Managing Director, Ajibola Akinwumi, the management described the publication as misleading and unfair, insisting that the administration under Wike has demonstrated consistent commitment to the welfare of workers and the development of the station. The insisted that the report “is incorrect, unfair and subjective,” adding that all pensionable staff of the corporation have been paid in full up to October 2025, with verifiable evidence of ongoing efforts to uplift the station’s status.

Payments and Staff Welfare

“To put the record straight, the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the able leadership of Nyesome Wike, has paid the salaries of pensionable staff of ABC fully and up to date (October, 2025). Also, there are available records with verifiable evidence that the Administration is making efforts towards uplifting the status of the organization,” the statement read. Akinwumi further revealed that the minister had approved the regularisation of ad-hoc employees, granting them pensionable status for the first time in the station’s history.

Criticism of Sahara Reporters

The MD faulted the online platform for failing to observe the principles of fairness and balance, describing the publication as a calculated attempt to malign both the minister and the station’s management. “It could be deducted from the above that the allegations of Sahara Reporters are baseless, faulty and a calculated and desperate attempt to paint the Honourable Minister Wike in a bad light. What is more worrisome is the fact that your reports ignored all known ethics of journalism especially the rules of fairness and balanced reporting to the extent of mentioning my name without a courtesy of engaging me in conversations or correspondences in order to get my own side of the story. So unfortunate! That particular contents in your platform relating to ABC are nothing short of an ethical breach to say the least,” he said.

Commitment to Transparency and Professionalism

While reaffirming the corporation’s commitment to open administration and transparency, Akinwumi urged journalists to uphold accuracy and professionalism, noting that disinformation weakens public trust. “Please, let it be understandable henceforth that Abuja Broadcasting Corporation runs an open administration and operates on a 24-hour basis on both radio and television. Most importantly, journalists across the world have all agreed that disinformation or fake news is not a viable option to contribute to nation building,” he added.

Appreciation for Minister Wike’s Support

He commended Minister Wike for his continued support to the organisation and the media sector at large, saying, “Abuja residents have continued to praise the Minister Wike for his commitment to infrastructure development, describing him as a focused, transformative leader who keeps promises. Let’s join hands with him to accomplish the common good.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation has categorically denied the allegations made by Sahara Reporters, emphasizing the Minister’s commitment to staff welfare and the development of the station. The corporation has called for responsible journalism, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and fairness in reporting.

FAQs

• Q: What were the allegations made by Sahara Reporters against Minister Nyesom Wike?
  A: Sahara Reporters alleged that Minister Wike owed staff salaries and abandoned the state-owned Aso Radio and Television.
• Q: How did the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation respond to these allegations?
  A: The corporation denied the allegations, stating that they were misleading and unfair, and provided evidence of payments made to staff and efforts to develop the station.
• Q: What steps has Minister Wike taken regarding the staff of Aso Radio and Television?
  A: Minister Wike has approved the regularization of ad-hoc employees, granting them pensionable status for the first time in the station’s history.
• Q: What is the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation’s stance on transparency and professionalism in journalism?
  A: The corporation reaffirms its commitment to open administration and transparency, urging journalists to uphold accuracy and professionalism to avoid spreading disinformation.

Source: theabujainquirer.com