The frequent frosty relationship between security agents and journalists reared it’s head again yesterday in Benin City, Edo state as not less than six journalists including reporters with The Guardian, Punch, Nation, Daily Independent, photo journalists with the Nigerian Observer, Vanguard and several others were harassed when they attempted to cover the inauguration of the 6th Assembly of the state.
The Guardian Reporter, Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu was detained in the security waiting room while policemen and men of Department of State Security (DSS) rained derogatory statements on him and the journalism profession.
Trouble started at entrance to the chamber when journalists included those mentioned above were prevented from entering the venue even after identifying themselves as journalists with their Identity Cards for over one hour yet several other persons including political aides and hangers on were allowed into the chamber.
Aliu approached the two policemen at the gate asking to know the reason for the discrimination even when the journalists were on duty and in the process, the police wanted to use his boot on him and then hit and broke the glass door. They suddenly changed the story that he broke the door and must be detained.
When the journalists were eventually let in, the house was concluding the process of electing a new speaker who is Victor Edoror from Esan Central Constituency while Bright Osayande representing Ovia North East Constituency I.
The All Progressives Congres (APC) in letter by its secretary, Osaro Idah appointed Folly Ogedengbe (Owan East) as Majority Leader, Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunmwonde) Deputy Majority Leader, Sunday Aghedo (Ovia North East I), Chief Whip and Kabiru Adjoto (Akoko-Edo I) Deputy Chief Whip.
Meanwhile three different letters were presented by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pick three persons as Minority Leader.
One of the letters read by the new speaker accused the leadership of PDP of mismanagimg campaign funds during the last general election and passed a vote of no confidence on the leadership while another was written by the state chairman Dan Orbih all three nominating different persons as Minority Leader.
Edoror advised the PDP to put its in order and send one name to the house.
Edoror promised to lead a united house and would work together with the Executive and Judiciary to support the developmental efforts of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
