By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has criticized the Center for Judicial Integrity (CJI) over his alleged involvement in buying off members of the judiciary, describing the allegation as a smear campaign by some political elements aimed at sabotaging his integrity.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor challenges the CJI and their allies to produce evidence to bolster their outrageous claims or face consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.
“We strongly refute the groundless claims generated by the Center for Judicial Integrity (CJI) about Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged involvement in buying off members of the judiciary. This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor who upholds the principles of justice and governance.”
“We challenge the CJI and their allies to produce evidence to bolster their outrageous claims publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations. Gov Alia has consistently held the judiciary in tremendous regard and would never negotiate its integrity for any reason.”
In the same vein, the Governor described the call for a declaration of State of Emergency in Benue State by his polical opponents as unnecessary, pointing out that it is a display of ignorance by unscrupulous factions who are desperate and eager to capitalize on any situation for their advantage.
“The call for a state of emergency in Benue State is not purely vexatious but a flagrant display of political opportunism. Their motives are clear; to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Governor Alia’s leadership. There is no unrest in Benue State. Governor Alia is fully in charge and control of the state”, the statement reads in part.
