Peoples Gazette suspends reporter who allegedly leaked Obi, Oyedepo audio tape?

The popular online portal, Peoples Gazette has suspended Ayoola Babalola, a journalist for his conduct on social media.

This was contained in a statement by the portal on Tuesday, April 4.

The statement notes that According to a statement on the online portal, it noted that "the management made the decision after carefully reviewing the reporter’s scathing retorts to relentless online trolls and concluded that Mr Babalola did not act with decorum and professionalism expected of The Gazette’s employees."

They further noted that the "suspension was a challenging decision for the organization: Mr. Babalola faced vicious attacks on social media following our scoop on Peter Obi’s phone call with Bishop Oyedepo.”

“Still, while the organization sympathizes and stands strongly with Mr Babalola and all staff members who come frequently under social media onslaught, the manner with which colleagues handle online trolls is what distinguishes us as professionals.”

Peter Obi ahead of the February 18 presidential and national assembly elections pleaded with the popular cleric to muster support from Christians across the South-West — and also to those in central states like Kwara, Kogi and Niger.

He was heard in the audio describing the election as a "religious war."

While MyNigeria couldn't directly link the suspension of Babalola to the alleged leaked tape, some social media users known for their support of Peter Obi have alleged that he was suspended for the leaked audio conversation between Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel).

“Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in the South-West and Kwara, the Christians in the South-West and Kwara,” Mr. Obi said in the audio obtained by The Gazette. “This is a religious war,” Peter Obi said.

“I believe that, I believe that, I believe that,” Mr Oyedepo said.

“Like I keep saying: if this works, you people will never regret the support,” Mr Obi said with candour, adding that Christians in places like Kogi, Kwara and Niger have been difficult to penetrate.