Violence: Radio Bayelsa recalls suspended workers

All nine workers suspended over an attack on Radio Bayelsa by hoodlums, protesting the Supreme Court judgment that sacked erstwhile governor-elect, David Lyon have been recalled by the station's management.

According to a statement dated Feb. 15, and signed by Mr. Pere Fobobo, Acting General Manager and five Directors of the broadcast organisation, said the purported suspension of the nine staff by the former general manager was ill-advised.

It also said the decision to suspend nine workers over a scenario that wasn't their fault was the sole plan of former general manager, Dr. John Idumange, who plotted the station's downfall.

“No staff of Radio Bayelsa is under compulsory leave nor indicted for the attack and destruction of property by some youths on Friday, Feb. 14.

“The decision to send some staff on compulsory leave is not management’s decision, but that of the former general manager, Dr. John Idumange, to destabilise the station.

“Dr. Idumange’s appointment as General Manager of Radio Bayelsa ended with the Dickson’s administration on Feb. 14, 2020,” the statement read in part.

Idumange, the former general manager of the station, in a statement on Feb, 14, said the nine affected staff were advised to proceed on a one-month compulsory leave to allow the radio station to conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident.

The state-owned FM station, Radio Bayelsa, was amongst facilities attacked by the protesters, who also destroyed the private residences of the immediate-past governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, and his successor, Douye Diri, on Feb. 14.