Video Portraying Election Malpractices Orchestrated To Embarrass Gov. Alia – Benue State Govt.
The Benue State Government on Thursday, October 10, 2024, said that a trending video portraying election malpractices during the recent Local Government Councils’ election in the state was a deliberately stage-managed drama, orchestrated by those who seek to undermine and embarrass the good governance of Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration.
It explained that the video was mainly used to ridicule the Government of Benue State and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, stressing that is nothing more than an unfortunate attempt by desperate individuals to score cheap political points.
Sir Tersoo Kul, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, who stated these while briefing journalists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, said that upon a thorough review, it was discovered that the video was an obvious stage-managed drama, orchestrated by those who seek to undermine the good governance of Governor Alia.
In the words of Kula; “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.
“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,” he said.
Kula also said that for the first time in Benue state, since the final rebirth of democracy in Nigeria, BSIEC recruited and meticulously trained all ad-hoc staff for the local government polls.
He also said that there was massive deployment of ad-hoc staff and sensitive and non-sensitive materials distributed in the full glare of the media and political party agents.
Kula said the achievement should be celebrated rather than tarnished and urged journalists and media outlets, particularly Arise TV, which aired the misleading video and accompanying commentary to uphold the ethics of their profession.
The spokesperson also said that as the light of society, it is crucial for journalists to cross-check facts and avoid being swayed by mere spectacle before going public.
The State Government said it remain committed to transparency and accountability in governance and will not be deterred by attempts to mislead the public.
