The Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula, has dismissed allegations claiming he referred to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as a madman.
Speaking on Wednesday while addressing the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council, he stated that he had not use any derogatory language on Akume.
He clarified that his principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia, was excelling in his role, and expressed concern that certain individuals in the state were attempting to undermine the governor’s achievements to tarnish his image.
Kula emphasized that he was no longer a journalist but a public relations practitioner and regarded himself as a loyal “son” to Alia.
He, however, criticized the SGF for remaining silent while a group of women, nicknamed the “Agidi Choir,” and other pro-SGF stakeholders allegedly made derogatory remarks against the governor.
He accused some politicians of deliberately working to undermine the governor’s efforts and prevent progress in the state
“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 said.
He added, “Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has truly demystified governance in Benue. Everything I have mentioned has been achieved in just one year and eight months. We are still progressing. Has this ever happened before? That’s a discussion for another time.”
Kula questioned the ongoing criticisms and attacks, asking, “If Alia has indeed demystified governance, why are there still wranglings and attacks? Why is the CPS, who is doing a good job, being criticized? Why is the CPS expected to remain silent in the face of such attacks?”
He stressed the evolving role of a Chief Press Secretary, noting, “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.”