The Akwa Ibom State Government has reportedly delisted a Channels Television journalist and cameraman from its press corps following the circulation of a viral video showing Governor Umo Eno hinting at a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The footage, which was allegedly published without authorization, was recorded during a government event on May 22, 2025, where Governor Eno addressed his cabinet about his political plans. In the clip, he sternly warned appointees who might not support his defection to prepare their resignation letters, stating that cabinet loyalty must align with his direction.
“You won’t be in my State Executive Council. Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving,” the governor declared.
Governor Eno cited unresolved leadership issues within the PDP—particularly the long-running legal battles surrounding the party’s national secretary—as a major reason for his planned defection.
The delisting of the media crew has raised questions about press freedom and transparency, especially in politically sensitive moments.
Sources revealed that Governor Umo Eno’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, summoned members of the Government House Press Corps—including Channels TV reporters—immediately after Thursday’s event and cautioned them against releasing footage of the governor’s remarks.
By Saturday morning, Udoh reportedly contacted the Channels TV crew to inform them that they had been barred from accessing the press centre on the governor’s orders.
“The governor was extremely angry. He even considered sacking Ekerete and disbanding the entire press corps,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, the affected Channels TV crew members, Christopher Moffat and Kufre Ikpe, were unavailable for comment. Efforts to reach Governor Eno’s spokesperson also proved unsuccessful