By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Government House Press Crew in Benue State has dissociated itself from the vote of no confidence recently passed on the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Pius Iroja Angbo, the group described the move by the NUJ leadership under Comrade Bemdoo Ugber as a campaign of blackmail and intimidation targeted at the Chief Press Secretary.
The press crew accused the NUJ Chairman of allegedly using the union platform to settle personal scores and undermine the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the state’s political season.
According to the statement, Sir Tersoo Kula has conducted himself professionally since assuming office in May 2023, maintaining cordial relationships with journalists while promoting the activities and policies of the Alia administration.
The group further alleged that attempts to ridicule the CPS and damage his reputation would fail, insisting that the move only exposed what it described as a deliberate agenda by some individuals within the media to work against the current administration and its appointees.
The communiqué noted that rather than engaging in internal conflicts, the media should focus on development journalism by highlighting government reforms, infrastructure projects, and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Benue State.
The Government House Press Crew also commended Governor Alia for restoring peace within the NUJ and supporting a peaceful atmosphere that led to the emergence of the current union leadership.
Consequently, the group unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor Hyacinth Alia for what it described as people-oriented leadership, and also reaffirmed its support for Sir Tersoo Kula, praising his efforts in strengthening media relations and promoting responsible journalism in the state.
