The Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, John Aledeh, has responded sharply to recent criticisms over the station’s operations, accusing his detractors of spreading misinformation and distorting the facts surrounding the state of the broadcast outfit.
In a statement personally signed by him, Aledeh lamented what he described as a campaign of falsehood aimed at undermining his efforts to restore the integrity of EBS, which he said was in a state of total collapse when he assumed office.
Aladeh said, “I initially chose to remain silent in response to your recent statements, but the level of distortion and misinformation in your remarks is so egregious that I feel compelled to set the record straight.
“It is disappointing to see a supposed Christian resort to fabrications rather than seeking the truth. Real leaders ask questions and seek understanding before making unfounded accusations.”
Aledeh painted a grim picture of the station’s condition under the previous administration, describing it as an embarrassment.
“Upon my assumption of the role as the Managing Director, EBS was in a state of utter disrepair. There was not a single operational vehicle for news coverage, rendering us virtually immobile. The newsroom was non-functional, and I was faced with the daunting task of activating our operations. To this end, I opened my own wallet, using personal funds to purchase fuel and necessary resources,” he disclosed.
Aledeh further revealed that reporters and editors had to write news stories by hand due to the absence of computers, adding that even his office lacked basic equipment.
The EBS boss dismissed allegations that the station’s power issues were deliberately orchestrated during a governor’s visit, describing such claims as absurd.
“Did you even bother to verify your statements with Ossiomo? The narrative that EBS was deliberately shut down during a governor’s visit is not only false but absurd,” he said.
Aledeh added that EBS had faced chronic neglect, including prolonged power supply challenges that preceded his tenure.
He alleged that a vital relay station had been leased out under the previous administration, further crippling the station’s broadcast capabilities.
He decried the plight of 60 staff members hastily employed in August 2024 under the previous administration, who, he said, have not been paid since their appointment.
“This is not just administrative negligence; it affects lives! I, too, am grappling with their plight, exploring avenues to regularize their employment and ensure they receive their hard-earned salaries,” he said.
He also alleged that valuable equipment, including DStv decoders, vanished during the transition period, with one of those implicated in the disappearance now serving as a Permanent Secretary.
Aledeh urged his critics to prioritize collaboration over “theatrics” and work together to address the challenges plaguing EBS.
He said, “I stand firmly committed to justice and the truth. My focus is on rebuilding EBS from the rubble left behind.
“The time has come for you to step aside and allow us to concentrate on the necessary hard work required to restore and elevate EBS.”
He called on all stakeholders to embrace truth and transparency, pledging to restore the station’s legacy and provide Edo residents with the quality broadcasting they deserve.
