Abia State's Broadcasting Corporation Goes Off-Air Due to Financial Constraints | # NwokeukwuMascot
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In a startling turn of events, the Abia State-owned Broadcasting Corporation (BCA) has been intermittently off the air due to an inability to fuel its power generators. The station has been relying on electricity supplied by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), but this arrangement has proven inadequate.
Sources within the station, who spoke to Newsmirrorng, revealed that BCA is undergoing a challenging period marked by inconsistent broadcasting. The core issue is the lack of access to funds necessary to maintain continuous operations. The problem has been exacerbated since the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Labour Party-led administration under Governor Alex Otti.
The TSA policy, designed to streamline and ensure accountability in financial transactions, has inadvertently stifled the station’s operational efficiency. One insider explained the cumbersome process involved: “If you want to buy a request card costing N350, you must first pay at the bank and then present the teller at the station before receiving the card. This bureaucratic hurdle delays the release of funds needed for the station’s daily operations.”
While the principles of the TSA are not being contested, there is a call for more pragmatic implementation. “The government should have a human face and approve a weekly stipend to address urgent needs, particularly for powering the station,” one source suggested. The station’s reliance on the erratic EEDC supply has left it vulnerable to frequent outages.
Moreover, the physical state of the BCA premises reflects the broader financial difficulties. Another source reported that the station's compound is overgrown with weeds, and there are no funds available for basic maintenance. The Head of Service, Mrs. Ngozi Queen Obioma, who visited the station recently, was reportedly taken aback by the deteriorating environment and had to personally fund the clearing of some areas.
The community’s beloved radio station has thus fallen silent, much to the dismay of its loyal listeners. The situation has highlighted the broader implications of the Labour Party state government’s financial policies, sparking concern among Abians. If BCA’s signal disappears, it signals another lapse in the provision of essential public services due to financial mismanagement.
As Abians await a resolution, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for a balance between fiscal accountability and practical governance.
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