By Lawrence Nwimo
The Anambra State Union of Journalists and the Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria have made joint appeal to Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo to confirm Mr. Gabriel Okpalaeze as the
Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS.
The group made the appeal on Thursday when NUJ and RATTAWU excos paid courtesy visit to ABS and met Mr Okpalaeze who is currently functioning as acting managing director of the government owned media station.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD said media practitioners in the state has long expected Mr Okpalaeze to be named the Managing Director of the station, stressing that it is unfair that he had spend over eight years in a single position without being considered for promotion to become the MD.
Comrade Odogwu described Okpalaeze who held position of the Director of News and Current Affairs at the station as a goal getter who serves the station with zeal and dedication. He even noted that the appointment should be a reward for his consistency, experience and giant contributions to the growth of media practice in ABS and the state at large.
Mr Gab Okpalaeze addressing the visitors at ABS, Thursday
Also speaking, RATTAWU state chairman, Comrade Andy Onwualu described Okpalaeze as a round peg in a round hole and added that it is only an insider that could understand areas of challenges and the possible solutions to move the organization forward.
Contributing, Vice president southeast RATTAWU, Prince Emeka Kalu said the appointment of Okpalaeze as the MD ABS would be a plus to the applause directed to the Soludo-led governme, following the governor’s resent nomination of two former ABS staff to serve as commissioners in his administration.
While expressing confidence in Mr. Okpalaeze, senior ABS staff, Rotarian Abuchi Nwozor noted that the staff of ABS are no longer at home with the imposition of an outsider to manage the affairs of the station. He stressed that ABS has more than qualified staff in Okpalaeze to steady the ship and move the station forward.
Reacting, Mr Gabriel Okpalaeze expressed gratitude to NUJ and RATTAWU and noted that he least expected the magnitude of support and prayers from the Unions.
He explained that he had set measures in motion to turn the station from subvented establishment to net profit organization and that his prudential management of funds will be deployed in moving the organization forward.