Journalists Bar From Edo APC Congress Venue

…as Dr. Imuse returns as State Chairman

By Our REPORTER

Many journalists including The9jaTREND were barred from covering the All Progressives Congress, State Congress Election at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Benin City.

The journalists were turned back at the entrance to the venue, as security guard said journalists were invited and that the journalists must produced their accreditation cards.

Even when the journalists showed their Identity cards, officials of the Directorate of State Security Service manning the gate stopped the journalists, saying they are acting on instruction.

“You can’t entered the venue, we don’t need office identity card. If you want to enter the venue you have to show your accreditation card. Sorry, it is not our fault, we are acting under instruction, called the officials.”

One of the party officials when approached, told the journalists that there is nothing he can do since he is not part of the publicity committee.

“I don’t know the criteria for selecting the media organisations for the coverage but all I know is that five prints and four electronics were accredited for the event”.

Meanwhile, a delegate from Etsako West local government, Mike Alufokhai said, the congress election went peacefully.

He said the state executive were elected through affirmation by all the deligates.

He said Francis Inegbeneki who was contesting the chairmanship position step down during the election to pave way for Col. David Imuse (rtd), who was returned state chairman of the party.

Lawrence Okah was however returned as the party state secretary while Mr Jarret Tenebe emerged Deputy – State Chairman and Mrs Betty Okoebor – State Woman leader.

Tony Kabaka was elected State Youth Leader while Hon. Fidelis Ogbejiele – State Financial Secretary, Mrs Josephine Ibhaguezejele- Senatorial Woman Leader, among others.