…Congratulates Governor Alia on his emergence
The Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has passed a vote of no confidence on the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Mr. Tersoo Kula, citing alleged divisive conduct and the marginalization of indigenous journalists in the state.
The decision was one of several resolutions reached at the council’s congress held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the NUJ House in Makurdi. The meeting, presided over by Council Chairman Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, deliberated on issues affecting journalists’ welfare, the media industry, governance, security, and other matters of public interest in Benue State.
Congress expressed grave concern over what members described as Mr. Kula’s “persistent excesses, anti-union posture, and divisive conduct” since assuming office.
Journalists accused the CPS of deliberately sidelining indigenous media practitioners and operating an exclusionary system that alienates the majority of journalists in the state. They also alleged the monopolization and questionable management of resources and opportunities meant for practicing journalists, saying it had enriched a narrow circle at the expense of the wider membership.
The union further condemned what it called the CPS’s consistent disregard and disrespect for the office of the NUJ State Chairman, describing it as an affront to the union’s integrity and institutional standing.
“Congress resolved that Mr. Tersoo Kula’s conduct remains unacceptable, provocative, and incompatible with the principles of mutual respect, inclusiveness, and professional partnership expected between government media aides and the journalism community,” the communiqué stated.
The union appealed to Governor Alia to address the concerns in the interest of peace, unity, and professionalism within the state’s media landscape.
While passing the resolution against the CPS, the congress congratulated Governor Alia on his emergence as the APC governorship candidate for 2027, following his win in the party primaries with 367,786 votes.
Members commended the governor’s efforts in improving infrastructure within Makurdi and other parts of the state. However, they urged construction companies handling road projects to provide adequate road signs, diversions, and traffic control measures to protect motorists and other road users.
The congress urged the state government to urgently address the challenges facing state-owned media organizations to enable them to function effectively. It also called for the timely distribution of farming inputs and agricultural support materials ahead of the peak farming season to boost food production.
Other demands included the revival of bursary allowances for Benue indigenes in higher institutions to ease the financial burden of education, and stronger protection for journalists. The union cautioned security agencies against harassing reporters in the course of their duties, particularly during political coverage.
On security, congress condemned the resurgence of violent crime in parts of the state, including bike snatching, shootings, and attacks in the North Bank area of Makurdi. It tasked security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and investigations to safeguard lives and property.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the union encouraged politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speech and inflammatory remarks that could threaten peace and stability.
Residents were also admonished to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse and plastics in drainage channels to reduce flooding, with a call for sustained public enlightenment on sanitation and flood prevention.
Congress commended journalists in Benue for their professionalism and commitment to peace despite industry challenges, and reaffirmed its dedication to responsible journalism, good governance, accountability, and democratic values.
The union also commiserated with the state government and the family of the late Head of Service, Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, describing his death as a great loss to the public service and the state.
Finally, congress mandated its secretary to officially communicate the resolutions to the governor, the CPS, and other relevant authorities. It also resolved to write to Channels Television over alleged unprofessional conduct by its state correspondent, Mr. Pius Angbo.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Terhemen Ater, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Tsavbee Ayila, Secretary; and Comrade Martha Iorchir, Member.
