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.