Governor Umahi denies sack of journalists from Ebonyi state

The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi has denied that he allegedly banned two journalists for life in the State for publishing false reports, and also disowned the audio and video recordings in the social media on the statement credited to him.

Penpushing reports that, the report had it that, the duo of  Chijioke Agwu of Sun newspapers was arrested by security operatives on April 19 over his report on Lassa fever ravaging the state while Peter Okutu of Vanguard was arrested on April 21 over his report on the invasion of Ohaukwu LGA by the military.

The video circulated on social media, however, stated that, in view of the reports of the journalists, the Governor allegedly declared them persona-non grata,adding that,the journalists reports raised alarm and caused panic in the midst of the fight against coronavirus..

Penpushing further reports that, the Governor, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze, described the audio and video recordings as “doctored’’ and aimed at misleading the public.

“There is no case of confirmed death caused by Lassa fever recently in Ebonyi, and neither was there any killing by the Nigerian military last weekend in the state. The reports were ill-conceived and have no truth in them as both newsmen were never embarrassed, intimidated or harassed to the knowledge of the governor at any government event.

“The governor never ordered such ban and he called the attention of the NUJ leadership in the state on April 15 and April 22, advising it to ensure that its members always verified their reports in the interest of the state and nation,’’ he said.

Penpushing also reports that, the Governor, in the statement, called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) and the public to discountenance the false reports, as well as audio and video recordings as they were figments of imagination of the bearers.

“It is a delicate attempt to smear the hard-earned reputation and good relationship of the governor with the media,” the statement reads.