Obaseki Disbands Deputy’s Media Crew
POLITICS DIGEST- The Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
The state government also directed the deputy governor to henceforth request the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.
Obaseki, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare noted,”This directive followed the ugly and unfortunate incident that happened during the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum celebration held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, where some journalists, who claimed to be the media crew of the Deputy Governor, attempted to force their way into the hall where the governor and other invited dignitaries were already seated”.
“This act was contrary to the accredited protocol that had been established for the media coverage of the event.
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“The orchestrated and stage managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable”.
Earlier yesterday, there was mild drama at the venue of the colloquium when the deputy governor’s media crew were ordered to leave the event, an incident which created tension in the hall.
This is coming barely 24 hours after a viral report and picture of Department of State Security (DSS) officials prevented the deputy governor from exchanging pleasantries with his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki at the venue of an Interdenominational Church service held in Benin, the state capital.
Shaibu’s media crew, who were seated at the venue prior to the commencement of the events, were allegedly ordered out of the venue by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr. Andrew Okungbowa.
Obaseki’s media aide was said to have acted under an instruction from above.
The relationship between the deputy governor and his principal had gone south following Shaibu’s allegation that his boss had plotted to impeach him over his intentions to contest the 2024 governorship election.
When contacted, the deputy governor confirmed the incident and simply said: “Yeah! We are good.”
