Asaba, Delta State — May 28, 2025
In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from media professionals and civil society observers, no fewer than 20 journalists were on Wednesday barred by security operatives from entering the Delta State House of Assembly complex to cover Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first official address to the legislature.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at the Assembly gate, where a police officer, ASP David Saviour, reportedly enforced a directive “from above” to deny journalists access to the premises. This was despite an official invitation earlier extended by the Delta State Government House inviting members of the press to cover the governor’s address.
Journalists from prominent media organizations including ThisDay, Punch, Guardian, Telegraph, Tribune, Leadership, Daily Independent, Quest TV, Business News, and Express News, among others, were denied entry. Even those who presented valid press identification cards were turned away without explanation.
Attempts by some officers and journalists to appeal to ASP Saviour were unsuccessful, with the officer allegedly stating: “If you like, call anybody, nobody will answer you.” Eyewitnesses observed that while journalists were denied entry, staff of the Government House and other non-media personnel were granted access without obstruction.
The development has sparked outrage within the media community, with many interpreting the action as a deliberate attempt to suppress press freedom and prevent independent coverage of the governor’s address. Some journalists described the experience as “humiliating” and “a dangerous precedent for democratic transparency.”
“This is a shameful abuse of power,” said a reporter from one of the affected outlets who preferred not to be named. “What exactly does the government not want the public to hear? If the governor has nothing to hide, why block the press from reporting?”
Observers say the incident represents a growing pattern of state-backed media censorship, where government officials deploy security operatives to intimidate or restrict journalistic activity under vague or undeclared orders. Critics also warn that the trend, if left unchecked, may signal a larger agenda to gag the press in Delta State and across Nigeria.
Press freedom is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression and access to information. Legal experts and advocacy groups argue that denying journalists access to public functions of such importance is both unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Fresh Facts Magazine has reached out to the Delta State Government for an official comment on the incident, but no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
