By Attah Ede
The International Press Institute (IPI) on Sunday, told Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to rescind his decision and immediately recall the Channels TV crew expelled from the State Government House in Uyo.
The crew, a reporter and a cameraman, were expelled from the Government house following the publication of a video clip in which Governor Umo Eno finally confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
IPI noted that the state government’s action was a gross violation of SECTION 22 of CHAPTER 2 of the constitution, which provides that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
The institute in a statement jointly signed by its Legal Adviser and Chairman Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and Secretary of Advocacy Committee, Ochiaka Ugwu, enjoined the state government to rescind the eviction.
IPI described the decision by the state government to expelled the crew as a reckless action and alarming development.
“No journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job. We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.
“We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
“The state government’s action is also a gross violation of SECTION 22 of CHAPTER 2 of the constitution, which provides that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.
“It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner.
“We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy. We call on the governor to immediately reverse the expulsion and save his government from further embarrassment.”, the statement read.
It would be recalled that Governor Eno had told his cabinet members on Thursday last week to prepare their resignation letters if they were unwilling to defect with him to the APC.
In the same fora, he was quoted as saying this; “We want our commissioners and members of Exco, appointees, and those of you who are saying that you would not come, you are free absolutely not to join me, but you won’t be in my State Executive Council.
“Prepare to resign the day I announced that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” He added
