Obaaeki directed Shaibu to request media coverage from Ministry of Communication
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has dismantled the media team attached to the Office of his Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, for allegedly attempting to disrupt a state event.
The directive was communicated via a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists by the state Commissioner for Information, Chris Osa Nehikhare.
According to the State Government, Shaibu is henceforth required to request media coverage of his activities from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
ALSO READ: Shaibu pledges loyalty to Obaseki, insists he wants to be Edo gov
The statement read: “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,”
Prior to this development, Shaibu had on Sunday, August 27, declared his unalloyed loyalty to Governor Obaseki, saying he sees him as his elder brother.
He, however, insisted he would be pursuing his ambition to become the number one citizen of his state despite the rift between them.
The Deputy Governor made the statement when he spoke at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State
He said: “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”
Shaibu went on to add: “But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute.”
