The Government of Edo State has announced the disbandment of the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu as the brewing fracas between the first second and third citizen continues to worsen.
Africa Today News, New York reports that consequently, Governor Godwin Obaseki also directed Shaibu to henceforth request for media coverage of his activities from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
Obaseki stated this in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Chris Osa Nehikhare on Monday.
‘This directive followed the unfortunate incident that happened during the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum, 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 dignitaries were already seated.’
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‘This act was against the accreditation protocol that had been established for the event coverage.
‘The orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable,’ he said.
Africa Today News, New York had on Monday reported that in an unusual display of loyalty, Shaibu had reaffirmed his allegiance to Governor Godwin Obaseki amidst recent tensions. Shaibu reiterated that loyalty transcends personal ambitions, highlighting the strength of their bond.
Shaibu who spoke on Sunday at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State, described the governor as his elder brother.
He said, ‘My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more.’
This is coming following weeks of dispute between the governor and his deputy. The deputy had gone to a Federal High in Abuja and obtained an injunction to stop the governor and state assembly of plots to impeach him.