(MRA/IFEX) – Chris Nsi, Ebonyi State correspondent for the “New Age” newspaper, has been barred indefinitely from entering the grounds of Government House in Abakaliki, the seat of government in the state controlled by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). The order to bar Nsi from Government House was reportedly delivered to security operatives attached to […]
(MRA/IFEX) – Chris Nsi, Ebonyi State correspondent for the “New Age” newspaper, has been barred indefinitely from entering the grounds of Government House in Abakaliki, the seat of government in the state controlled by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
The order to bar Nsi from Government House was reportedly delivered to security operatives attached to the premises last weekend through Collin Agbo, personal assistant to State Governor Sam Egwu. The measure was taken because Nsi allegedly exhibited partisan sympathy for the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Recounting the origins of his ordeal, Nsi said, “The development followed the recent interview granted to me by the state secretary of the ANPP, Chief Joseph Ugwu, that was published on page 15 of the November 2, 2004 edition [of the “New Age” newspaper]. The personal assistant [to the governor] confronted me on November 12, 2004 and accused me of aligning with the ANPP to malign the image of Governor Sam Egwu, especially now that he is interested in the presidency come 2007. However, I made efforts to explain my position as a journalist to him, but all to no avail. I have also reported the case to the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. John Out, who is yet to respond.”
