Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reportedly barred Channels Television crew from the Government House press centre in Uyo, the state capital.
It was gathered that the governor barred Channels TVβs reporter and cameraman, Christopher Moffat and Kufre Ikpe, respectively, from the press centre over the broadcast of a video in which Eno publicly confirmed plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The footage, aired on Friday, May 23, 2025, was said to have caused embarrassment within the governorβs camp, prompting swift action from the stateβs media handlers. Sources within the Government House disclosed that the governorβs Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, summoned members of the press corps shortly after the broadcast.
It was gathered that Udoh warned members of the Government House press corps, including Channels TV crew, against airing the governorβs remarks.
Sources disclosed that Udoh called the Channels TV correspondent that the governor has barred him and his cameraman from the press centre.
βOn Saturday morning, Ekerete called the Channels TV crew and informed them that the governor has barred them from the press centre.
βThe governor was so furious, he wanted to sack Ekerete and disband the entire press corps,β one of the sources told Premium Times. Moffat is said to have been the Channels TV correspondent at the Akwa Ibom State Government House for over 10 years.
- Source: Premium Times