MAKURDI – Sir Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, has declared that the video making the rounds, wherein some persons were seen allegedly thumbprinting ballot papers during last Saturday’s Local Government (LG) elections in the state, was stage managed.
He further pointed out that the state government was informed by “credible sources” that the video has an element of the underhand tactics of the opposition, with the aim of discrediting the polls that were recently held in the state.
The CPS, to the governor disclosed this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, while reacting to alleged electoral malpractices in connection with the polls, insisted that the video is intended to discredit the process.
While he stated that upon review of the video, it was clear that the video was doctored, the CPS added that the video appears to be one of the tactics of the opposition,
Kula said, “It is with great concern that we address the recent video circulating in connection with the local government polls held last Saturday.
“This video, which has been used to ridicule the Government of Benue State and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), is nothing more than an unfortunate attempt by desperate individuals to score cheap political points.
“Upon thorough review, it is clear that the video is an obvious stage-managed drama, orchestrated by those who seek to undermine the good governance of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
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“We found no credible evidence linking this fabricated content to the governor or his administration.
“Prior to the elections, credible sources informed us of underhand plans by some opposition elements to discredit the electoral process. This video appears to be one of their tactics to cast a shadow over what was a transparent and violence-free election.”
The CPS also observed that “It is important to note that this election marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in many years that voters in Benue had access to ballot papers for local government elections.
“For the first time in Benue state, since the final resurgence of democracy in Nigeria, BSIEC recruited and meticulously trained all adhoc staff for the polls. There was also massive deployment of adhoc staff and sensitive and nonsensitive materials distributed in the full glare of the media and political party agents.
“This achievement should be celebrated rather than tarnished.”
Subsequently, he said, “We urge journalists and media outlets, particularly Arise TV, which aired the misleading video and accompanying commentary to uphold the ethics of their profession.
“As the light of society, it is crucial to cross-check facts and avoid being swayed by mere spectacle before going public.
“We remain committed to transparency and accountability in governance and will not be deterred by attempts to mislead the public”, Kula pledged. End
