Africa Independent Television, AIT has been officially barred by the presidency from media coverage of activities at the presidential villa.
An internal circular on Tuesday, the 24th of March authorised by the Special Adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina and signed by the deputy director information, Attah Esa, says the directive is aimed at reducing the number of persons in the villa.
The directive comes barely a week after the eviction of AIT crew from the coverage of the unveiling of Nigeria’s broadband plan by President Buhari in Abuja.
The crew was asked to leave the digital economy complex venue based on “orders from above”.
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On Tuesday, AIT reported that the president’s chief of staff had tested positive to the coronavirus and that President Buhari who is on self-isolation tested negative to the virus.
But the circular from the villa claims the social distancing requirement to protect against coronavirus necessitated the suspension of AIT from the state house.
Under the new directive, only 13 media organisations are allowed to cover the presidential villa, and the list includes both government controlled broadcasters and a few private broadcasters considered friendly by the All Progressives Congress, APC led Federal Government.
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They are, the Nigerian Television Authority NTA, Channels Television, Television Continental TVC, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Voice of Nigeria VON, and News Agency of Nigeria NAN.
AIT which is the major independent television network in the country is the only national television barred from the state house under the new arrangement.
Only 6 print media organisations are on the list, with only the photographers allowed except for the sun newspaper.
The reporters have been barred from access to the state house.
They include Thisday, Leadership, Daily Trust, Guardian and the Vanguard.
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Notable among those axed by the villa are Africa Independent Television AIT, the Punch Newspaper, Arise TV, and Silverbird Television.
The action appears indefinite as no date was indicated for a lifting of the suspension.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
