GAROWE, Somalia Sept 27, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Puntland State Television staffers have gone on strike over missing pays, accusing the newly appointed Director-General Abdifatah Nur Qodah (Ashkir) of embezzlement on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking with GO on condition of anonymity, state-owned broadcaster staff member said they have not been paid for almost two months: “Since July, we have yet to receive our salaries and other monthly allowances. When we talked to the director he refused to address the issue”.

The striker added that they are on protest on account of funds misappropriation after Puntland government handed over the budged allotted to the state television to Ashkir.

Presidency sources on the other hand confirm, presidential officials stepped up strikebreaking measures and notified Puntland TV staff that President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali will be intervening in the deadlock.

Ashkir reportedly asked security unit soldiers to remove anybody who was not complying with routine broadcasts from the TV premises.

President Gaas sacked former state broadcaster Chief Ahmed Mohamed Ali by decree and in turn named Ashkri to the post on August 3.

Financial shortfalls forced Puntland State TV off air in early September. 

GAROWE ONLINE