Reporter’s expulsion from Villa: Buhari will not muzzle media – Adesina

Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, says the president does not intend to muzzle the media in any way.

Adesina made this known on his twitter handle while reacting to the de-accreditation of the Correspondent of Punch Newspapers, Olalekan Adetayo, attached to the State House, Abuja.

Adetayo was interrogated on Monday afternoon by the office of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the president over a story the presidency considered offensive.

The correspondent, who spent about 45 minutes with his interrogators, was later escorted out of the Presidential Villa by security operatives after picking his belongings from the Press Gallery of the Council Chamber.

Adesina, however, posted that his office was not consulted before Adetayo was expelled from the Villa by the CSO.

According to him, an amicable solution to the matter is being worked out by relevant offices in the Villa.

“We weren’t consulted in the media office by the CSO before he expelled The Punch reporter. President Buhari is committed to press freedom.

“An amicable solution would be found to The Punch reporter matter. President Buhari does not intend to muzzle the media in any way.’’