Governor Umo Eno Evicts Journalists Over Leaked Defection Video Controversy

A wave of political tension has gripped Akwa Ibom State following reports that Governor Umo Eno ordered the eviction of Channels Television’s correspondent, Chris Moffat, and his cameraman from the Government House. The incident comes on the heels of a now-viral video showing the governor allegedly coercing members of his cabinet to defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their appointments.

The controversial video, broadcasted by Channels Television on Friday, features Governor Eno addressing his commissioners with an unequivocal ultimatum. “It’s no longer news that I am moving party. If you don’t know, I don’t know what else you know,” the governor declared. “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.”

He continued, “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.”

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Defection Drama Triggers Media Backlash in Government House

The leaked footage has since stirred public debate, casting a shadow over the governor’s leadership style and raising questions about the integrity of democratic freedom within his administration. While Channels Television has not released an official statement, Chris Moffat, the journalist at the center of the controversy, has also not publicly commented on the development.

However, a source within the Akwa Ibom Government House confirmed the eviction, revealing the governor’s displeasure over the video leak. “It is true, what you heard is true. That is the situation here in the government house. It is not unconnected with the trending video that surfaced on Friday,” the source told Daily Post.

According to insiders, Governor Eno felt blindsided by the release of the footage, which he reportedly believed was shared in confidence during an internal political strategy meeting. The broadcast of such sensitive political content appears to have sparked a direct confrontation with the media, particularly Channels Television.

The ousting of the journalists has sparked a flurry of responses online, with civil society groups and political analysts decrying the governor’s actions as an infringement on press freedom. Many argue that if the video contents are genuine and accurate, the public has a right to be informed about political shifts within the state leadership.

Legal experts have also weighed in, noting that while a governor has the authority to make executive decisions, compelling cabinet members to join a political party as a condition of appointment could violate democratic norms. It raises the issue of whether political loyalty should override governance competence and public accountability.

Furthermore, the governor’s message has prompted unease among opposition voices and even among members of his current cabinet. Several political aides and commissioners are reportedly reconsidering their future roles in the administration, particularly if the governor proceeds with his rumored defection to the APC.

Governor Eno, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has yet to officially announce his move to the APC. However, his speech in the video all but confirms that a political realignment is imminent. The growing speculation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the state’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, media watchdogs and advocacy organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the journalists’ eviction and a reassessment of media rights within government institutions. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is also expected to issue a formal statement in response to the unfolding situation.

This development marks a significant moment in Akwa Ibom politics, where party allegiance now appears to be a determining factor in continued government service. If Governor Eno follows through with his defection and purges dissenting voices from his cabinet, it may redefine the political structure in the state and beyond.

As of now, all eyes are on the governor for a formal statement clarifying his intentions and addressing the implications of his remarks. The fate of Chris Moffat and his cameraman remains a focal point in the broader conversation about freedom of the press and political accountability in Nigeria.