By Amos Aar
THE CHIEF Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Tersoo Kula, on Wednesday denied allegations that he insulted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume.
Speaking at the first congress of the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in 2025 held at the state secretariat in Makurdi, Kula, who stated that Governor Alia is performing excellently well, however, expressed concern that certain individuals in the state were trying to undermine the governor’s achievements to tarnish his image.
Kula, who stated that he is no longer a journalist but a public relations practitioner, and a son to Governor Alia, debunked claims that he insulted Senator Akume, although he condemned the SGF for remaining silent while a group of women, nicknamed ‘Agidi Choir, and other pro-SGF stakeholders sang and uttered derogatory words against the governor.
He explained that some politicians did not want the state to progress and were actively working to undermine the governor’s efforts. Kula emphasised that Governor Alia was aware of the potential blame he would face if he failed to deliver on his promises, noting the governor’s significant efforts in rural construction, youth and women empowerment, rehabilitation of schools, and the timely payment of salaries to workers, pensioners, and other legacy projects.
“Governor Alia will be blamed if he fails to deliver. Therefore, there is no need for him to let others run the administration while he merely follows. That would be a tragedy for the people of this state,” Kula stated.
He went on to highlight the governor’s accomplishments, asserting:
“Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has truly demystified governance in Benue. Everything I have mentioned has been done in just one year and eight months. We are still progressing. Has this ever happened before? That’s a discussion for another time.”
Kula continued: “If Alia has indeed demystified governance, why are there still wrangling and attacks? Why is the CPS, who is doing a good job, being criticised? Why is the CPS expected to remain silent in the face of such attacks?”
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The Chief Press Secretary emphasised that the role of a CPS had evolved beyond journalism.
“I am no longer a journalist; I am now practicing public relations. However, I still bring my journalistic experience to this role, using it to manage the governor’s image and defend him when necessary.”
He stressed that he would never allow anyone to insult the governor or his father, Governor Alia.
“I will not stand by and watch my father be insulted. As far as I am concerned, I am the son of Alia. What the governor has done for me is the greatest honour anyone could receive in government,” Kula remarked.
Addressing the allegations made by some individuals that he had called Akume a madman, Kula strongly denied the claim.
“I have been raised with discipline. I would never insult elders. If anyone has proof of me calling Akume a madman, they should present it,” he challenged.
He continued: “This is just mischief, and you can’t stop mischief makers. I challenge anyone to bring forward evidence of this claim. Akume is our father, a respected leader, and someone who appointed my elder brother in government. I would never disrespect him.”
Kula also condemned the false narratives spread by political opponents, including a claim that Governor Alia had taken three billion naira to Abuja to influence Akume’s removal. “Such fabrications are outrageous. These people talk as if they are out of touch with reality,” he said.
The CPS also responded to recent criticisms involving derogatory comments made about the governor at public events.
“I have watched as some individuals, including Senator Titus Zam, used derogatory terms about the governor in the presence of our leader, Senator Akume. Yet, they did not react to these insults,” Kula noted.
He also explained the role of his office, emphasising that his job as CPS was not just to be a spokesperson but to protect the governor’s image and ensure that his achievements were recognised.
“My job goes beyond just clearing mud from the governor’s reputation; I am also his image guardian,” Kula stated.
Kula reaffirmed his commitment to defending the governor and ensuring that the people of Benue were informed of the administration’s progress.
“It is my responsibility to ensure the public knows what the governor is doing. If anyone throws mud at him, I will not remain silent,” he said.
The CPS thanked the NUJ leadership for the opportunity to clarify the recent controversies.
In response, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, expressed appreciation to Kula for attending on short notice.
Ugber also appealed to Kula to request Governor Alia to implement the weighing allowances for journalists working in state-owned media organisations in Benue.
“We thank you, CPS, for honouring this invitation. We also urge you to use your position to appeal to His Excellency to implement the weighing allowances for journalists in the Ministry of Information, Benue Television, and The Voice Newspapers,” said Ugber.
Dr Cletus Akwaya, Chief Executive Officer of Daily Asset Newspaper, and former commissioner and adviser on Information and ICT in Benue State, commended Kula for addressing the council and stressed the importance of journalists holding the government accountable.
“We cannot be journalists and politicians at the same time,” Akwaya stated.
“We are fortunate that the 1999 Constitution enshrined the responsibility of journalists to hold the government to account. This is a responsibility we should never take for granted,” Akwaya stressed.
