The in-house battle in the Edo Government House is unravelling further, with the dismantling of the media team around state Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shuaibu.
24 hours earlier, Shuaibu was thoroughly embarrassed publicly, when a security detail of Governor Godwin Obaseki stopped him from reaching the Governor in a church service to mark the 32nd anniversary of the state.
Both men have been engaged in a political battle over the deputy’s ambition to take over from his principal. Obaseki accused him of orchestrating a campaign of calumny that there were plans to impeach him, when no such plan was in the offing.
He accused his deputy further of planning to jump their Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ship to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to realise his ambition.
As soon as Shuaibu arrived from abroad, he denied the stories, accusing some politicians of trying to sully his relationship with his boss.
Worse for Shuaibu, his former political godfather and former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Obaseki appear to be warming up afresh; an obvious fall-out of the activities marking the state’s 32 anniversary celebrations.
In a statement, the state government announced the disbanding of the deputy governor’s media crew, directing the Ministry of Communication and Orientation to step in.
The ministry’s head, Commissioner Chris Osa Nehikhare annouced the disbandment of 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.
He adds, “This directive followed the ugly and unfortunate incident that happened during the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum celebration 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 accredited protocol that had been established for the media coverage of the event.
“The orchestrated and stage managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable.”
