The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has decried the role
played by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the transfer of some reporters of
the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Benin, out of the state.
Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Chris Nehikhare said in a statement
that “The heat generated by the intense electioneering in the Edo State
2016 governorship election may have made the audience of the news
programmes of the Nigerian Television Authority, Benin to notice the
absence of three remarkable reporters in the past three weeks.
“The three reporters are: Beauty Eghobamien, Cele Osayande and Christy
Macaulay.
“These three reporters who have, over the years, displayed outstanding
professional competence have been transferred from Edo State.
“The reason for their sudden transfer is that their comprehensive
reportage of the campaign activities of the PDP to which they were
assigned, did not go down well with the comrade Governor, Adams
Oshiomhole.”
According to the PDP, “The governor is said to have taken offence,
particularly for their unwillingness to compromise their reports.
“Using his connection, Governor Oshiomhole, therefore, tried to influence
their sack. “However, the authorities, knowing that their sack may result
in a scandal, opted for their transfer.
“Thus, these three elegant and efficient ladies were removed to please the
governor and to water down the reports on the PDP governorship candidate,
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his party. This has been most evident since
their removal.
“Also affected in this assault on professional competence and integrity is
the former Assistant Director of News, Mrs Cecelia Essien, who stuck to
her guns that NTA must run a balanced coverage of the activities of all
parties involved in the election and, of course, the Zonal Director
erroneously thought he was still under a democratic setup like he
experienced under the previous PDP government and so he had stood his
ground to defend the staff under him.
“The APC had wanted a situation where they would use NTA to the gross
disadvantage of the PDP as they do with the state government-controlled
Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS.
“This ugly development at the NTA Benin shows the level of intolerance of
the APC government and the pettiness of the Chief Executive of Edo State.
It should be roundly condemned and sanctioned.
“To further buttress its intimidation and harassment, Edo State government
has also stopped ITV from reporting Governments activities by banning them
from government house.
“As God hardened the heart of Pharaoh of Egypt just to destroy him, So is
God hardening the heart of Pharaoh of Edo State.”
END