By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has denied having any crises with the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The Governor who made the denial at the Government House Makurdi at the weekend during his maiden interactive session with Journalists, described the allegation as unfounded and deliberate mischief by saboteurs.
It was learned that the battle for speakership pitted the Governor against the SGF who is the leader of the party in the state.
Findings revealed that while Akume preferred Hon Becky Orpin to emerge as Speaker, Governor Alia in collaboration with some stakeholders of the party anointed, Hon Hyacinth Dajoh who eventually emerged the speaker.
While reacting to a question during the parley about his alleged estranged relationship with the SGF, Fr Alia said ” I don’t have any crises with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He is my leader, he is leader of the All Progressives Congress. When there is no crises they want crises to be created.”
The Governor stated that the present administration is committed to peace building for faster growth of the state. He implored media practitioners to be just in their reportage.
” As agents of positive change, your reportage would go a long way to strengthen democracy in our state. I like to appreciate your inputs. We are concious of the fact that we can’t offer effective service without Journalists”.
In his remarks, the Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone D, Comr Kris Atsaka urged Governor Alia to improve on the state owned media organizations to enable it operate competitively with other media houses both locally and internationally.
