‘It’s A Family Affair’ – Says Official As New Minister Of Interior Shuts Out Journalists In Abuja

Journalists were reportedly manhandled and barred from covering the assumption of office of the newly sworn-in Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday.

Naija News reported that Olubunmi was among the newly sworn-in ministers today, August 21, 2023. The event was headed by President Bola Tinubu, who gave them appointments to serve under his administration.

Reports, however, emerging revealed that there was some drama between security officials and journalists when Olubunmi arrived at the Area-one federal secretariat in a carnival procession hour after his inauguration.

It was gathered that correspondents covering the ministry were shut out from covering the minister’s assumption of office.

Olubunmi, who was initially assigned to the new Ministry of Blue Economy, reportedly arrived at the office meeting the invited correspondents, who had been waiting for hours before his arrival at 2:20 pm.

Daily Trust reported that newsmen were denied entrance into the hall where the programme was held. The publication added that while some journalists were rough-handled by some paramilitary officers at the ministry, others were forcefully turned back.

One of the senior Ministry officials who reportedly ordered security to deny journalists access to the venue said “The meeting is a family affair. So only the minister’s guests should be allowed in.”