Bala Dan Abu Quits Newswatch

One of the most accomplished Nigerian journalists, whose experience spans many decades, Bala Dan Abu, has resigned from Newswatch Communications Limited, publishers of Newswatch magazine, even as Deji Bademosi, one of Nigeria’s most decorated journalists also resigned from Channels Television.

Dan Abu, who became General Manager/Editor of the crisis-ridden publication when businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, bought 51 percent majority shares in the company, resigned today.

“Although you have repeatedly urged me to stay on,” Dan Abu said in his resignation letter to Ibrahim, “I have decided to leave because I do not wish to be part of the new, crisis-ridden dispensation at Newswatch. My decision to quit at this time is also to allow you the opportunity to re-organise and restructure the magazine to fit your own dream and vision.” He added, “My humble plea is that you should not allow Newswatch to die because that will be a negation of your mission in the company. I also request that you approve the payment of my disengagement benefits without delay. I have several years of accumulated annual leave which should serve the purpose of the mandatory three months notice that I am required to give.”In his own case, Deji Bademosi, multiple award winning TV journalist left Channels TV allegedly after a dispute with the station’s owner, John Momoh.

Bademosi, who was Head of the television’s Political Desk, was said to have tweeted on Friday that he had quit his position at the station.

“My time with Channels Television has now ended. Looking to new challenges,” Bademosi was reported to have tweeted. Bademosi, a Mass Communication graduate from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has won many awards, including a CNN African journalist award, a Wole Soyinka investigative award, several Nigerian Media awards among others.

His colleagues were reluctant to talk. “He just walked away,” one colleague told P.M.NEWS on telephone today, an answer replicated by several others.

Meanwhile, a talented broadcaster with Silverbird Television, Onyi Sunday, has also resigned. Colleagues said, she left after a disagreement with management.

—Simon Ateba