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Akwa Ibom Bars Channels TV Crew After Airing Governor’s Defection Remarks

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reportedly barred Channels Television reporter Christopher Moffat and cameraman Kufre Ikpe from the Government House press centre in Uyo, following the broadcast of a controversial video featuring Governor Umo Eno.

In the video, aired by Channels TV, Governor Eno confirmed plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, the governor cited internal crises within the PDP as the reason for his decision and issued a stern directive to his cabinet.

“You are free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” Eno declared. “You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is not a threat; it is what it is.”

Following the meeting, the governor’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, reportedly cautioned members of the press corps including Channels TV against airing the governor’s comments. According to PREMIUM TIMES, Udoh later contacted Moffat directly to inform him that both he and Ikpe had been barred from the press centre.

An insider revealed that Governor Eno was enraged by the video’s release and allegedly considered firing his spokesperson and dissolving the entire press team.

Christopher Moffat has been Channels Television’s correspondent at the Akwa Ibom Government House for more than a decade. The ban on him and his cameraman has raised serious concerns over press freedom and media suppression, particularly amid growing political tensions surrounding Governor Eno’s anticipated defection.

The development underscores the increasing sensitivity of political discourse in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, with media coverage coming under closer scrutiny by state actors.

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