The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State chapter, has condemned the suspension of it’s Chairman, Barr Vivian Ottih, demanding her reinstatement.
The group described her suspension ‘as a gross violation of women’s rights’
Barr. Ottih, a nursing mother, was suspended from State government owned, Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC for demanding payment of her three months salary.
In a statement signed by leaders of Imo NAWOJ, Shirley Munonye, Angela Nkwo Akpolu and Stevenie Michaels, they said “it 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 permission
NAWOJ said “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
While noting “that pregnancy, child birth and nursing comes with attendant challenges, which is very trying for women journalists, the group called on “State Ministry of Information and Management of Imo Broadcasting Corporation to recall the purported suspension, pay her salary, and restate her to her rightful position
It stated that “it’s chairman deserves better having distinguished herself through her sterling qualities.
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