Politics

Oshiomhole angry at journalists in Edo for being professional, PDP alleges

Published

8 years ago

September 18, 2016

Oshiomhole angry at journalists in Edo for being professional, PDP alleges

For objectively carrying out their duties, and refusing to be swayed to only his side, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has allegedly influenced the reporters of some media house to be transferred out of the state.

According to Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of PDP in Edo State, three reporters: Beauty Eghobamien, Cele Osayande and Christy Macaulay and their comprehensive reportage of the campaign activities of the PDP to which they were assigned, did not go down well with the Comrade Governor.

He claimed that the three reporters who have over the years displayed outstanding professional competence have been transferred from Edo State.

The governor is said to have taken offence, particular for their unwillingness to compromize their reports.

Nehikhare in a statement said that “Using his connection, he therefore tried to influence their sack. However, the authorities, knowing that their sack may result in a scandal, opted for their transfer. Thus, these three elegant and efficient ladies were removed to please the governor and to water down the reports on the PDP governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his party. This has been most evident since their removal.

“Also affected in this assault on professional competence and integrity is the former Assistant Director of News, Mrs Cecelia Essien, who stuck to her guns that NTA must run a balanced coverage of the activities of all parties involved in the election and of course the Zonal Director who erroneously thought he was still under a democratic setup like he experienced under the previous PDP government and so he stood his ground to defend the staff under him.

He further alleged, that “The APC had wanted a situation where they would use NTA to the gross disadvantage of the PDP as they do with the state government controlled Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS.

“This ugly development at the NTA Benin shows the level of intolerance of the APC government and the pettiness of the Chief Executive of Edo State. It should be roundly condemned and sanctioned.

“To further buttress its intimidation and harassment, Edo State government has also stopped ITV from reporting government’s activities by banning them from government house”, the party stated.

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