In a shocking turn of events, the Governor of Anambra state Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has made the unabashed decision to shut down Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light Newspaper, Kaoditaa Newspapers and SportsLightxtra the longest thriving state-owned Newspaper in Nigeria. This was made known to the Newspaper Corporation through a confirmation later sent by the Secretary to State Government at the close of work on Friday and further confirmation through a letter sent by the Head of Service on Tuesday.
As the staff reels from the news, the entire nation now witnesses the heartlessness and blatant disregard for the well-being of the workers by the governor whose election into office was championed by the said Anambra Newspapers on the media space.
Soludo's decision to shut down Anambra Newspapers in a time when the cost of living in Nigeria is soaring only adds insult to injury. With petrol price escalating to N617, the staff already face immense challenges in their day-to-day lives. By disengaging them without considering the dire consequences this decision will have on their livelihoods, Governor Soludo has showcased lack of empathy and compassion towards those affected.
The callous nature of this condemnable decision questions Soludo's ability to pilot the affairs of this state. Times like this when other states are establishing their own state print media and giving all kinds of palliative to mitigate the impact of increasing cost of PMS in Nigeria, he is busy disengaging over 100 staff and abandoning them to their fate. Oh! how the mighty has falling?
The establishment of Anambra Newspapers was guided by a well-defined law that grants protections and empowers its existence. However, Governor Soludo's decision highlights a flagrant disregard for this law.
His refusal to abide by the legal framework that created Anambra Newspapers raises questions about his commitment to upholding the rule of law and his suitability as a leader. At this moment, ndị Anambra will be totally disappointed at the level their Governor has condescended just to satisfy his personal gains.
The plans of Anambra State government (as Soludo often instructs his exco members not divulge any decision reach about National Light to anyone) is to silently carry out his evil plans against the journalists and other staff of Anambra Newspapers. Hence the reason the commissioner for information continuously debunks the new of the shutdown. Maybe, he will have to respond to the letters from SSG's office and that of the office of the Head of Service, confirming the closure of the corporation.
There is an adage that says, if you want to kill you a dog, you give it a bad name and that is what Anambra Govt has done to Anambra Newspapers just to deprive the workers of their rights.
National Light Newspapers has long played a crucial role in upholding integrity, accountability, and transparency of Anambra State government, despite not receiving the much needed support from the government. The loss of National Light is not just a blow to its staff but also a detriment to the rule of law and democratic principles we hold dear.
Governance should be guided by principles of compassion, fairness, and justice. Sadly, Soludo's decision to shut down National Light Newspapers reveals a legacy tainted by heartlessness and an alarming disregard for the well-being of the staff. This decision threatens to define his tenure, overshadowing any potential achievements he may have had.
In these difficult times, it is imperative that the staff of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light Newspapers are not left abandoned and unheard. The responsibility lies not only with the Governor but with the judiciary and Legislative to ensure that justice is served. The law that established Anambra Newspapers must be upheld, and the rights of the staff must be protected. It is only through the restoration of justice that we can safeguard the values of our society.
The shut down of National Light Newspapers by Governor Soludo is a heartless act that overlooks the struggles faced by the staff during this trying and hard times in Nigeria. His refusal to abide by established laws further highlights a disturbing neglect for the rule of law. Now, more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with the staff of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light Newspapers in their fight for justice.
#AllEyesOnSoludo
#IstandWithNationalLightWorkers
#NationalLight
#AnambraNewspapers
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