Edo govt disbands deputy gov’s media crew over walk-out

The Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew attached to the deputy governor of the state, Phillip Shaibu, for leaving the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum on Monday, August 28, 2023.

Shaibu was however directed to henceforth request the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.

The latest development was contained in a statement issued by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on Monday.

Nehikhare noted that the media crew of the deputy governor attempted to force their way into the venue of the event where Governor Godwin Obaseki and other invited dignitaries were already seated.

The commissioner added: “This act was contrary to the accreditation protocol that had been established for media coverage of the event.

READ ALSO: Edo deputy gov walks out of event over aides’ entry denial

“The orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable.”

The Star had reported that Shaibu walked out of the event organised by the Edo State Government after his aides were denied entry.

Shaibu, in a viral video, was allowed into the venue of the event but his aides, including security operatives, were stopped from gaining access.

The embattled deputy governor sought permission for his aides to come with him into the venue but a security operative was seen blocking the way.

Shaibu, who was visibly angry over the incident, later led his aides out of the venue and drove away.

This came after security details attached to Obaseki stopped Shaibu from accessing the governor at a church service to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State on Sunday, August 27.

The governor later stated that the security operatives were doing their job of safeguarding him.

The Star