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KULA’S LECTURE ON INTEGRITY: WHEN PROPAGANDA ATTEMPTS TO REWRITE HISTORY
The statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Sir Tersoo Kula, is not a defence of governance. It is a desperate exercise in propaganda, carefully crafted to divert attention from the growing dissatisfaction with the Alia administration. When a government abandons the responsibility of answering legitimate questions from the people and instead resorts to attacking political opponents, it is usually a clear indication that it has run out of convincing answers.
It is astonishing that the same administration which came to power promising a new era now seeks to portray itself as the sole custodian of integrity while presiding over one of the most intolerant political climates in the history of Benue State. If integrity is truly the cornerstone of public service, then Governor Hyacinth Alia must first explain why his administration has reintroduced a dangerous culture of political intimidation, violence and thuggery that many Benue people believed had long been buried.
This is perhaps the only administration in Benue’s democratic history that appears terrified of political competition. If Governor Alia truly believes he enjoys overwhelming popularity and has performed so exceptionally, why does he appear unwilling to face credible opponents at the polls? Why are opposition figures routinely portrayed as enemies to be destroyed rather than fellow citizens exercising their constitutional right to seek elective office? Democracy is built on competition, not intimidation. Contesting for public office is a constitutional right, not a criminal offence.
The irony becomes even more glaring when the CPS accuses Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, of abuse of office while remaining silent about the disturbing actions of his own principal. What should Benue people call a government under which opponents are marked for political destruction, supporters allegedly unleash violence on dissenting voices, and every contrary opinion is treated as an act of rebellion? If that is not an abuse of power, then the phrase has lost all meaning.
Even more troubling are Governor Alia’s own public utterances. Benue people have not forgotten his astonishing declaration suggesting that the powers available to him exceed even those of God. Neither have they forgotten his public threat to “cut the fingers” of those who refuse to support him politically. Such statements are unbecoming of any democratic leader, let alone someone who constantly seeks refuge under the moral authority of the priesthood. Integrity is not proclaimed in speeches; it is reflected in humility, restraint and respect for democratic freedoms.
It is therefore hypocritical for Mr. Kula to reduce integrity to selective quotations and political mudslinging while ignoring the conduct of the administration he serves. Public office demands consistency. One cannot preach integrity while defending intolerance, celebrating political intimidation and demonising every perceived opponent.
The repeated attempt to use isolated legal commentary to assassinate the character of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, cannot erase the fact that he remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal practitioners, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has continued to earn respect within the legal profession long after leaving public office. His contributions to national service speak for themselves and cannot be erased by politically motivated rhetoric.
More importantly, Benue people are not interested in endless propaganda wars. They are interested in security, economic revival, functioning healthcare, quality education and a government that protects lives rather than manufactures enemies. The attempt to distract the public with personal attacks will not erase the realities confronting ordinary citizens across the state.
Mr. Kula would serve his principal and the people of Benue better by responding to genuine concerns about governance instead of acting as the chief prosecutor of political opponents. The office of the Chief Press Secretary exists to communicate government policies and achievements, not to conduct smear campaigns against those exercising their constitutional rights.
As for Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, neither intimidation nor propaganda will deter him or any other qualified Benue citizen from offering themselves for service. The 2027 governorship election will not be decided by press statements, selective quotations or orchestrated character assassination. It will be decided by the sovereign will of the people of Benue State.
Governor Alia should therefore welcome political competition instead of appearing to fear it. If his record is truly as outstanding as his spokesman claims, then he should confidently submit it to the judgment of the electorate. That is the true test of integrity in a democracy.
James Ian
Media Aide to Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has urged Christian leaders to defend truth, speak to political authorities when necessary and promote peace and moral values amid the social, economic and security challenges facing the country. Kefas made the call on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while addressing participants at the Ministers’ Conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, in Jalingo.
The conference, themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” brought together Christian ministers and leaders to discuss the role of the Church in nation-building, peacebuilding and good governance. The governor said government and the Church have distinct constitutional and spiritual responsibilities but could collaborate in areas that promote peace, development and social stability.
He urged Christian leaders to uphold truth, compassion, justice and moral discipline while advising political authorities without allowing partisan interests to compromise the Church’s independence. “The Church must not become an extension of any political party,” Kefas said, urging ministers to provide constructive guidance and resist divisions based on politics, ethnicity or personal interests.
Kefas also called on religious leaders to use their platforms to discourage corruption, drug abuse, violence, hatred and injustice, while encouraging young people to pursue legitimate opportunities. He assured residents that his administration would continue to promote fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence while protecting citizens’ rights and freedom of worship.
The governor also expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with religious institutions in education, peacebuilding, community development and efforts to address drug abuse. He appealed to citizens and religious leaders to embrace unity and forgiveness, saying the development of Taraba required collective responsibility.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command will hold a three-day Police–Youth Engagement Programme from Thursday, August 20, to Saturday, August 22, 2026, as part of activities to mark International Youth Day and strengthen community efforts to prevent crime and promote peace.
The programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” will bring together police officers, youths, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the initiative was in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to deepen engagement between the police and young people.
According to the Command, activities will include a Walkathon/Peace Walk aimed at promoting unity, healthy living and responsible citizenship. A medical outreach will also provide basic healthcare services and health awareness to young people and community members.
The programme will conclude with a lecture and interactive session addressing crime prevention, cultism, drug abuse, political and digital thuggery, responsible social media use, youth participation in community policing and emerging security challenges.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, urged youths, community leaders and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme. He called on participants to support efforts to promote peace, unity, responsible citizenship and a safer Kaduna State.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 900 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ggenga Solomon Ibileye, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening its research culture. Ibileye made the commitment during the postgraduate matriculation ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja.
The Vice-Chancellor said research remained central to the value of postgraduate education and stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining and improving its academic standards.
He said postgraduate students would undergo prescribed coursework and examinations, while their projects, theses and dissertations would be subjected to originality and similarity checks. According to him, students would also be required to defend research proposals, participate in internal seminars and submit their work to external examiners.
“These processes ensure that the certificate eventually conferred by the university is worth the years a candidate will spend earning it,” he said. Ibileye said the university currently offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy levels, covering both professional and academic disciplines.
He commended the Provost of the postgraduate college, Prof. Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi, for his leadership and expressed confidence that the institution’s academic standards would continue to improve. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students and welcomed them to the postgraduate scholarly community of the university.
Kefas Urges Church Leaders to Defend Truth and Promote Peace in Taraba
Kaduna Police to Hold Three-Day Youth Engagement Programme on Crime and Drug Abuse
FUL Matriculates 900 Postgraduate Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Research
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