No Crisis In DBS Warri: RATTAWU State Chairman, Enegide, Dismisses Reports On Strike, Alleged Diversion Of Check-off Dues

The State Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Charles Enegide, has categorically dismissed media reports alleging tension and plans for industrial action at the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Warri, over alleged diversion of check-off dues.

Comrade Enegide, in an official statement on Friday made available to Oasis Magazine, declared that there is no crisis whatsoever in DBS Warri, and clarified that the union’s leadership structure remains intact and functional.

“There is a leadership in place at DBS Warri, and it is not for faceless individuals to misrepresent the union’s activities. The allegations of crisis and diversion of dues are false, and the publications making such claims are ill-informed about the Union’s operations,” Enegide asserted.

The reports had alleged that Comrade Enegide blocked the remittance of dues from the Warri chapter through the Delta State Accountant General’s office and unilaterally installed a caretaker committee after dissolving the previous executive. The report further accused him of attempting to redirect dues to an unknown account — claims Enegide strongly refuted.

Clarification on Dissolution and Caretaker Committee
In his reaction, Comrade Enegide explained that the dissolution of the Comrade Ikpen-led Warri executive and the establishment of a caretaker committee were necessary and in line with union protocols.

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“The State Executive Council dissolved the former executive after they failed to remit dues for months and refused to hand over union property as directed. A caretaker committee was constituted following due process and has been performing effectively. There is no crisis in DBS Warri,” he emphasized.

Support from Immediate Past Chairman, Comrade Faith Umukoro
Lending her voice, the immediate past Chairman of RATTAWU, DBS Warri, Comrade Faith Umukoro, also refuted the claims of tension and division in the chapter.

“It is not all members of DBS Warri that are aggrieved. The National and State Executives have constitutional powers to dissolve any executive that violates union rules. In this case, the former chairman refused to remit dues, ignored queries, and declined to hand over after suspension. This led to the caretaker arrangement,” Umukoro explained.

She added: “As the immediate past Chairman, I can affirm that there is no strike in DBS Warri. The misinformation in circulation is politically motivated. Also, the change of account followed due process in accordance with union regulations.”

Both leaders reaffirmed that the Union remains united and focused on advancing members’ welfare and ensuring compliance with RATTAWU’s constitution and principles.