Is IBC Dead Under Uzodimma? Allegations of Mismanagement, Asset Disappearance Stir Concern
By The Pressman Newspaper
Once a proud voice of Imo State, the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) home to Orient TV and Radio FM—now sits under a cloud of controversy and decline, with insiders and observers questioning its future under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.
According to an investigation by The Pressman Newspaper, serious allegations have surfaced, pointing to suspected mismanagement and irregular disposal of IBC’s assets, allegedly involving the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba, and the Director General of IBC, Ms Ify Onyegbule.
Sources within the station claim that several valuable assets acquired during former Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s tenure have vanished without clear documentation or public accountability.
These reportedly include an Outside Broadcast (OB) Van, a Hilux, a Hummer bus, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Camry, and two transmission units.
While fingers point to administrative directives, neither Emelumba nor Onyegbule has responded to requests for comment, leaving stakeholders demanding answers.
Beyond missing assets, the IBC headquarters—shared with The Nigerian Statesman newspaper has reportedly fallen into disrepair.
Staff operate in unsafe and dilapidated conditions, often without a stable power supply, proper security, or basic maintenance. Reports also highlight sporadic and unreliable transmissions from Orient TV on Startimes Channel 35.
Perhaps more troubling is the alleged sidelining of IBC in favour of private media firms believed to be owned by political allies.
Insiders claim the state spends up to ₦10 million on live event coverage through these outlets, while its own public broadcaster struggles for funding and relevance.
Media professionals and civil society voices are now calling for a full-scale probe into IBC’s operations—not to witch-hunt, but to demand transparency, accountability, and the rescue of a once-proud state institution.
They urge Governor Uzodimma to act swiftly to restore confidence in the state’s media infrastructure and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to press freedom, professionalism, and public interest.
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