Imo NAWOJ calls for immediate reinstatement of Vivian Ottih
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State chapter has received with sadness the purported suspension of her Chairman, Barrister Vivian Ottih from the Imo Broadcasting Corporation and condemns the action.
Ottih, a senior staff of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) is said to be on suspension for allegedly complaining about the delay of her salary and her members for three months running.
Ottih, who only just had a baby, is alleged to have granted a press conference, wherein she complained about the non payment of her salary and her members since February, 2020.
NAWOJ feels deeply pained that her Chairman is being disparaged all over the State, simply because she sought the assistance of her brother, an appointee to the Imo State Governor.
Rather, some persons including Journalists used her personal letter to a brother as a news item, without her permission.
At no point did Ottih address a press conference nor broke the rules of engagement as a staff of IBC.
Women no doubt, put in enormous effort in the discharge of their duties, coupled with the demands of family, especially as we work thrice as much to balance our acts.
We refuse to keep quiet and watch our member slip into depression nor to commit suicide, over how she fends for her family, especially in this trying season occasioned by the effects of Covid 19.
Ottih, who through sterling qualities has distinguished herself and the State NAWOJ deserves better, as we view this act of suspension as a gross violation of women’s rights.
It is public knowledge that pregnancy, child birth, and nursing comes with attendant challenges, which is very trying for women Journalists.
We call on the State Ministry of Information and the management of Imo Broadcasting Corporation to recall the purported suspension, pay her salary, and restate her to her rightful position.
Further, we call for good working conditions for all our members and by extension, women working in the State Government employment.
Signed
Shirley Munonye
Angela Nkwo-Akpolu
Stevenie Michaels.
