The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Benue State Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, has refuted allegations making the rounds on social media that he called the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume a mad man, describing it as a fabrication by mischief makers.
Kula stated this Wednesday while addressing newsmen during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) General Congress held at NUJ House in Makurdi.
The CPS who described the claims as baseless further challenged those behind the allegations to provide concrete evidence to substantiate their claim.
Kula who reiterated his respect for Sen Akume, described him as a father and leader saying he has never and will never use such derogatory words against him.
The CPS however maintained that his role as a spokesperson for Governor Hyacinth Alia is one he is totally committed to and will not stand by and watch the Governor being insulted and dragged through the mud for no justifiable reason.
He also revealed that he had consulted his lawyers regarding the allegations with the aim of taking legal action against those responsible for spreading such falsehood.
Speaking further, the CPS highlighted achievements of the Alia administration to include prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions with arrears, as well as great improvement in various sectors like healthcare delivery, agriculture, education and infrastructure among others despite inheriting a system that was faced with numerous challenges.
He therefore called for the continuous support of the media to the state government in its tireless efforts to provide purposeful leadership.
Responding, The Chairman NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber thanked the CPS for finding time out of his crowded schedule to interact with journalists and assured of their commitment to projecting the activities, policies and programmes of the current administration.
Meanwhile, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in the state, Associate Professor Cletus Akwaya who was also part of the interactive congress, commended members of the NUJ for putting aside their differences and electing a new leadership to steer the affairs of the union in the state.
Akwaya who is also the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Daily Asset Newspaper therefore urged members of the NUJ to remain on the path of harmonious relationship and mutual respect for one another bearing in mind the ethics of the journalism profession for the good of society.
