The Edo State Government has scrapped independent media support for the office of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
Media coverage for the office will now be undertaken by the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
This development followed the deputy governor’s clash with security agents at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday, August 28.
Shaibu who fell out with his principal, arrived at the venue where a state government function was being held and was shocked when his aides were denied access to the venue. He tried to get his aides to enter the venue but the security officials stood their ground. Shaibu then stormed out of the venue.
In a statement released last night, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in the state, Chris Nehikhare, said the deputy governor’s media crew tried to force their way into the hall where Governor Godwin Obaseki and other invited dignitaries were seated to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum.
“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,” the statement read.
The statement added that going forward, the state Ministry of Communication and Orientation is to handle the media coverage of the activities of Shaibu’s office.
