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” the statement said.
