By Amos Aar
THE CHIEF Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of Benue State, Tersoo Kula, has clarified that the ‘2025 Accountability Press Briefing’, organized as part of activities marking Governor Hyacinth Alia’s second year in office, will take place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Makurdi.
Kula made the clarification during an emergency meeting with journalists at the NUJ secretariat on Wednesday, following concerns raised by the Benue State Council of the NUJ during its Tuesday congress.
The NUJ had expressed dissatisfaction over the engagement of Abuja-based media consultants for state project assessments, arguing that the practice sidelines local journalists. The council called for a reversal of the trend to empower indigenous media professionals.
Addressing the concerns, Kula attributed the earlier miscommunication to an oversight during his absence from the state.
“The initial confusion arose because I was away for the NIPR Week. However, I confirm that the accountability press briefing will hold here at the NUJ House,” Kula stated.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, noting that the media plays a crucial role in ensuring government accountability.
“We cannot claim accountability without providing updates when required. Commissioners and heads of agencies will appear here to brief the public. The governor has directed me to confirm this venue. Let them come and present the facts — you will have your reports,” he said.
Kula also urged journalists to participate in the governor’s second-anniversary celebration scheduled for Thursday at IBB Square, assuring them of continued engagement with the media.
“After tomorrow’s event, we will coordinate with the NUJ to finalize a date for the accountability briefings,” he added.
He further disclosed that some anniversary activities faced logistical delays but would still be implemented.
“Earlier, a schedule of events was published, prominently featuring Benue journalists. While some adjustments were necessary, key activities, including a media chat with local journalists, will proceed as planned.”
Additionally, Kula announced new measures to enhance professionalism, including strict accreditation for journalists covering government events.
“Henceforth, accreditation will be mandatory. Tags will be issued through the NUJ chairman to verify legitimate practitioners. Unaccredited individuals will not be recognized, and the government will not be liable for any incidents involving them. This is part of our efforts to uphold journalistic standards in Benue,” he stated.
In response, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, commended the CPS for his prompt intervention.
“We appreciate your swift response to the congress’s concerns. We look forward to sustained collaboration between the government and the media,” Ugber said.
