The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is embroiled in a controversy as revelations have emerged about the recruitment of over 240 personnel without public advertisement, sparking allegations of misuse and favoritism.
SaharaReporters uncovered that the recruitment, which occurred between December 2023 and January 2024, raised concerns about transparency and adherence to due process.
Sources suggest that the new Director General, Mr Charles Ebuebu, exploited the recruitment as a means to garner favor with the presidency and the National Assembly to secure his position.
Several insiders disclosed that the recruitment process, intended for regularizing contract staff, turned into an appointment-sharing spree, benefitting members of the political class, presidency, ministers, friends, and associates.
The hiring, marked by irregularities, has sparked criticism regarding the commitment to transparency within President Bola Tinubu’s promised “Renewed hope government.”
While acknowledging the initial approval for the regularization of contract staff, sources lamented the deviation from agreed-upon arrangements, as the slots meant for existing staff were allegedly distributed to political figures and cronies by the new DG and his team.
The arbitrary nature of the appointments prompted outcry among existing contract staff members, some of whom had served for over a decade.
The NBC’s past efforts to incorporate these staff as full members were seemingly ignored in favor of fresh recruits.
A senior staff member expressed discontent over the manipulation of the recruitment process, citing the reshuffling of senior directors and questionable practices orchestrated by the new DG.
Allegedly, political figures thronged the commission, turning it into what was described as indistinguishable from the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat.
Despite the controversy, a source within the Commission defended the DG, asserting that he inherited the ongoing recruitment process upon his appointment in October 2023.
However, this source also acknowledged discomfort within the Commission and dissatisfaction with the involvement of politicians in the hiring process.
Efforts to obtain a response from the DG or the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr Antia Ekanem, proved unsuccessful.
The scandal raises questions about the adherence to due process and fairness within the NBC, leaving the future of the affected staff and the Commission’s credibility in question.
