The Bayelsa House Assembly contrary to public expectations on Tuesday sat behind closed door as
journalists were barred from coverage of proceedings in Yenagoa, contrary to
parliamentary best practices.
The 24-member legislature was scheduled to sit by 10.30
a.m, but the session commenced at about 11 a.m.
Before the sitting could commence, more than 20 reporters
from different media organisations who were awaiting coverage were urged to
leave the press gallery.
Mr Alton Boleidgha, Special Adviser on Media to Mr
Kombowei Benson, Speaker of the House, who delivered the message to reporters,
said the decision to bar journalists from coverage was from members.
“Well, I cannot ascertain what could be the matter for
journalists not to cover sitting of today, but this is an order; I am telling
you that we do not need any outsider for coverage.
“You have to leave the gallery because there is no need
waiting to cover the sitting, we do not need journalists,” the media aide
advised.
Reacting to the development, the aggrieved journalists
expressed displeasure over the action of the lawmakers.
“I am not happy, though I do not know what they want to
discuss that they don’t want us for today,” a journalist complained.
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