Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu

In a recent development, the Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew that was previously attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. This decision was announced in a statement released by Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation.

According to the statement, the government has directed the Deputy Governor to request media coverage of his office activities from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation going forward. This decision comes in response to an unfortunate incident that occurred during a colloquium held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum celebration.

During the event, certain individuals who claimed to be part of the Deputy Governor’s media crew attempted to gain unauthorized access to the hall where the Governor and other dignitaries were seated. This action was deemed to be in violation of the established protocol for media coverage of the event.

Nehikhare expressed regret over the orchestrated disruption and walkout that took place, stating that it was highly regrettable. This incident has further exacerbated the existing rift between the Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu.

The trouble started when members of the Deputy Governor’s media crew were asked to leave the colloquium by security agents, following identification by Okungbowa and Osarumwense Ojo, the Public Relations Officer of the Office of the Governor. The journalists claimed that they were already seated and ready to cover the event when they were instructed to leave.

A source from the Deputy Governor’s media team expressed concerns about the situation, mentioning that they had faced difficulties even before entering the venue. The source also stated that when the Deputy Governor attempted to intervene, he was informed that the instructions came from above, leading to his eventual departure from the event.

However, a government house source denied any attack or prevention of the Deputy Governor or his media crew from attending the event, refuting the claims made by the journalists.

This disbandment of the media crew attached to the Deputy Governor’s Office signifies a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact future media coverage of the Deputy Governor’s activities and the overall relationship between the two officials.