Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reportedly ordered the eviction of Channels Television’s correspondent and cameraman from the Government House following the circulation of a controversial defection video, according to Hobnob News Nigeria.
The video, which began trending on Friday, shows Governor Eno allegedly addressing members of his cabinet, insisting they either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign their positions. The governor is seen saying:
“It’s no longer news that I am moving party. If you don’t know, I don’t know what else you know. I am told that some of you are saying you will not come — you are free, absolutely free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state cabinet.
So be prepared to resign the day I announce I am moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It’s not a threat, it’s what it is. I won’t beg you to come.”
The emergence of the footage has sparked political tension within the state, with the Governor said to be furious over the leak. Although Channels Television reporter, Chris Moffat, could not be reached for comment, a source within the Government House, who requested anonymity, confirmed the development.
“It is true, what you heard is true,” the source said. “That is the situation here in the Government House. It is not unconnected with the trending video that surfaced on Friday.”
As of press time, no official statement has been issued by the Akwa Ibom State Government or Channels Television regarding the expulsion of the media crew. The incident has, however, stirred public debate over press freedom and the governor’s political intentions.
