What else would anyone call this if not abuse of office, learnt that the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Terkimbi Ikyange gave instructions that Channels TV correspondent in the state, Pius Angbo should not be allowed to cover the proceedings of the House.
His offence: Recording and showing the television footage of the house members engaging in a free-for-all fight last week.
But was that an offence?
After all, the young man did not start the ‘Fuji House of Commotion’ witnessed on the floor of the Benue Assembly chamber. Nothing concern Agbero with overload. The journalist was just doing his legitimate duty as a “watchdog”.
Pius reportedly went to the State’s House of Assembly on June 25th to cover House proceedings, but was informed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House that only accredited journalists will henceforth be allowed to cover events of the state Assembly.
After waiting for one hour and seeing other journalists gaining access into the chambers, he attempted to enter but was stopped by the CPS to the Speaker, who told him the speaker asked that he, Pius, should not be allowed into the House chambers. Pius left the assembly complex afterwards’.
Mr. Speaker, the havoc has been done, not by the reporter, but by the lawmakers, who threw decency into the bins.
We know that this is the season of ‘Legislative Wrestling Bouts’, from State House of Assembly to National Assembly, but next time, before you guys start throwing punches at one another like Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier, always remember that the “watchdogs” (journalists are around). You mess up; we show it to the world, understand?
Well done Pius Angbo! Kudos Channels TV!
