Delta Council Boss, Onoyake Apologizes To NUJ, DBS Over Staff Misconduct

By Phil Abha

Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Delta State, Mr. Ramson Onoyake has apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), for the attack on a news crew of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Warri, at the Effurun market.

The apology came days after the unwarranted harassment, beating and manhandling of the DBS Warri news crew of Comrade Linus Chima and John Osuji by five thugs allegedly recruited by the Effurun Market master last week Wednesday while on an official assignment to monitor compliance to the COVID-19 stay-at-home directive by the Delta State government.

The incident elicited wide condemnations from the NUJ and RATTAWU of DBS Warri, NUJ Delta State Council and a cross section of Deltans.

After days of foot-dragging, Mr Onoyake stormed the Edjeba premises of DBS Warri on Monday with his lawyer, where he met with the leaderships of both unions in the office of the Acting General Manager, Mr Malcolm Oteri, to apologise and resolve the matter.

Speaking in an interview after the meeting held behind closed doors, Onoyake condemned the attack on the DBS Warri news crew at the Effurun market by those he termed miscreants.

He described the attack as barbaric and unwarranted, saying investigations were ongoing and promised that those behind it will be fished out and made to face the law.

The Uvwie Council boss also assured staff of DBS Warri and other pressmen of their safety in the council area.

Confirming the resolution of the matter, Chairman of NUJ, DBS Warri Chapel, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo and that of RATTAWU DBS Warri Chapter, Comrade Isaac Oboh, said the unions have accepted the apology of Mr. Onoyake and urged him to take measures to halt unprovoked attack on journalists by the people of Uvwie while carrying out their legitimate duties.

Mr. Onoyake during the peace meeting as the Chief Security Officer of Uvwie Local Government Area, accepted responsibility for the attack on the DBS Warri news crew and tenderedan unreserved apology to the NUJ DBS Warri Chapel.