The media team linked to Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu’s office has been dissolved by the Edo State Government. The government declared the dissolution of the crew last evening.
Governor Godwin Obaseki instructed Shaibu to now seek media coverage for his activities through the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
This announcement was made in a statement released by Commissioner for Information Chris Osa Nehikhare on Monday.
He said;
“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.
“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.”
Reportedly, Shaibu left the venue of a stakeholders’ colloquium after his media team was supposedly attacked by the governor’s security personnel.
The colloquium had been arranged by the Obaseki’s administration to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest referendum and the 32nd anniversary of Edo State’s establishment after separating from the former Bendel State.
Hosted at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin, the capital of the state, the dual-purpose event revolved around the theme “60 years after the referendum: Which way Midwest?” This gathering occurred within the compound of the Nigerian Observer newspaper on Airport Road, an establishment owned by the state government.
Over the weekend, news emerged that the governor was taken aback by his deputy’s return from the United States after his vacation. Speculation circulated that Obaseki was considering relocating Shaibu’s office as a way to distance himself from his deputy.
It’s worth noting that the confrontation took a fresh turn when the Department of State Services (DSS) prevented Shaibu from reaching the governor during the church service held to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of Edo State’s establishment.