The Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor.
The government also directed the Deputy Governor to henceforth seek media coverage for his activities through the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, said the decision comes on the heels of an unfortunate disruption that occurred during the commemorative colloquium organized to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
The event, hosted at the prestigious Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, saw a group of individuals purporting to be the Deputy Governor’s media team attempt to gain unauthorized access to the venue.
The statement added that the action of the group directly contradicted the established accreditation protocols put in place to regulate media coverage of the event, pointing out that the orchestrated walkout that resulted from the action of the group is highly regrettable.
The statement reads: “The Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, with a directive to the Deputy Governor to henceforth request the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.
“This directive followed the ugly and unfortunate incident that happened during the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, 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 invited dignitaries were already seated.
“This act was contrary to the accreditation protocol that had been established for media coverage of the event.
“The orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable.”
