CHIKUN/KAJURU REP, HON. FIDELIX BAGUDU, ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE. (PHOTO).
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has clarified the circumstances surrounding the removal of a media outlet’s correspondent, Chris Mofatt, and his cameraman from the Government House Press Corps in Uyo, dismissing claims of punitive action. The decision, which followed the release of a viral video showing the governor announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparked widespread controversy.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Eno emphasized that the removal was not an eviction but a routine reassignment within standard procedure. “I think it’s within the purview of the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to change correspondents within the Government House,” Eno stated, as reported by Vanguard. “It is practised all over the world. If you have served at a post for up to 10 years and the CPS decides to ask for a replacement, that is not a fight. The governor does not even have to know.”
Eno further noted that the media outlet remained active at the Government House, covering events live on the same day. “We work with all media houses,” he added, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to partnering with the media for nation-building, according to a report by Vanguard.
However, human rights lawyer and activist Inebehe Effiong, quoted by The Punch, expressed surprise at the governor’s reaction to the media outlet’s coverage of the defection video. Effiong argued that the outlet could not have covered the event without an official invitation, questioning the rationale behind the governor’s displeasure.
The incident has raised concerns about press freedom in Akwa Ibom, with the governor’s explanation seeking to downplay tensions while maintaining that the reassignment was a procedural matter handled by the CPS.
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