By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Benue State Government has argued that the recent demonstrations sponsored by unknown groups in Abuja were not organic expressions of public sentiments but rather a calculated attempt by some disgruntled elements to settle personal scores with the aim to undermine the present administration and advance a malicious agenda.
Making Government position known while reacting to what it described as sponsored protest with the aim to misinform the public during a press conference Wednesday, held at Government House Makurdi, chief press secretary to the Benue Governor, Tersoo Kula described such actions as orchestrated campaigns sponsored to undermine the government.
He assured Benue people that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration would always remain focused and committed to deliver dividends of democracy, describing as highly condemnable the recent sponsored protest meant to destabilize and undermine the present government.
Kula noted with dismay that the protesters were driven by desperate desire to paint Benue State in the worst possible light with the aim of forcing the president to declare a state of emergency in Benue, insisting that the misguided notion stemmed from a deep- seated aversion to positive change was against their campaigns for a return to a discredited status quo whose ultimate goal he noted is to create an environment of chaos and instability to allow them exploit the situation for their selfish interest.
The Chief Press Secretary further expressed worry by the blatant attempts to weaponize the legal profession in the campaign of deceit, lamenting that government has witnessed the spectacle of ex- convicts paraded at press conferences while individuals who has nothing to do with the law masquerading as lawyers, as well as unregistered organisations submitting petitions filled with lies levelling offensive accusations to the National Assembly.
According to Kula, such actions have not only undermined the integrity of the legal profession but also demonstrated the depth to which the individuals were willing to sink in their pursuit for personal vendatta, urging Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to take a swift and decisive action to address such instances of impersonation and professional misconduct.
Kula who said the sponsors of these protests are known to government with their motives which is the desire to remove the governor from office, urged Benue people to remain united in their support as efforts of enemies of the state will never succeed.
He stated that while the issue of insecurity is a national concern, Governor Alia is taking proactive steps to curtail activities of armed herders by protecting communities, promising that the Alia administration will remain committed to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents of the state.
