COMRADE (Dr.) Opakiriba Erekosima, a seasoned trade unionist, has vowed that if elected as National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) at its forthcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC), she will use her experience to revive the union from its current state of stagnation.
Comrade Erekosima, popularly known as Comrade ‘Opi’, a former State Chairperson of RATTAWU’s Rivers State chapter, spoke with National Record following the publication of her fiery petition to the Minister of Labour and Employment.
In the petition, she accused the union’s National President, Comrade (Dr.) Kabir Garba Tsanni, of “brazen disregard” for the union’s constitution and “dictatorial conduct.”
The NDC is scheduled to begin with the arrival of delegates on Sunday, July 13th, followed by the main conference on July 14th, and departure on July 15th, 2025, in Gombe State.
While she promised not to openly criticise or blame past leadership of the union – noting that no leader can accomplish everything needed to elevate a union – Erekosima vowed to raise RATTAWU to a level of consciousness where leadership actively drives members to advocate and struggle for their welfare.
“I will not blame anybody; I will not blame the past leadership,” Erekosima told National Record, adding: “But I know – we all know, as members of the union – that RATTAWU’s challenges are enormous: poor salaries and allowances, no hazard allowances, and despite these conditions, there has been no agitation, even at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to Comrade Opi, “RATTAWU needs to speak for its members as it speaks for others.” She vowed that, if elected, her first step would be to organise leadership training, which she pledged to extend to all levels of the union’s leadership hierarchy, including rank-and-file members.
“Training and retraining are essential to developing enlightened leadership and membership,” Erekosima stressed.
In her manifesto, titled: “My Pact with RATTAWU: My Word, My Honour,” Erekosima outlined a comprehensive plan to revive the union through financial accountability, welfare improvements, and strategic investments.
She promised reforms that prioritise financial transparency, including the immediate remittance of check-off dues, payment of two-year arrears to state councils, and a constitutional review to strengthen union governance.
Regarding welfare enhancement, Erekosima pledged to implement hazard allowances, a media-specific salary structure, gratuity/death benefits, a health insurance scheme, and a cooperative society.
Beyond capacity-building programs, she committed to advocating for streamlined promotions and salary reviews.
With over two decades of experience in the industry – rising from her chapter to become Rivers State Chairperson – she had led struggles that reinstated unfairly dismissed members, among other victories. If elected, she promised to initiate “Legacy Projects”, such as establishing a RATTAWU media outlet, investing in real estate, and recognising past leaders through welfare initiatives.
She stated that her dynamic tenure earned her nine national merit awards, including “Outstanding State Chairperson.”
She urged delegates to judge her by her track record, emphasising her “tested resilience, integrity, and readiness to confront challenges head-on.”
Erekosima concluded her manifesto with a rallying cry: “RATTAWU united can never be defeated!”
