By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

The former Media and Publicity Adviser to Chief Samuel Ortom, Mr Terver Akase, has criticised remarks made by Mr Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, accusing him of launching unprovoked verbal attacks against the immediate past governor.

In a statement issued on Friday in Makurdi, Akase described Kula’s comments as “hurtful” and “unprovoked,” emphasising that Chief Ortom had done nothing to warrant such hostility. The reaction followed Kula’s statement condemning Chief Ortom’s attendance at the 50th birthday celebration of Dr Matthias Byuan, the Executive Director of Housing, Finance, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, held in Agidi, Konshisha Local Government Area.

Akase argued that the presence of the former governor at the event should not be a cause for concern. “The mere fact that the former Governor was in the company of other prominent Benue sons and daughters at the event in Konshisha should not make Governor Alia lose his sleep,” he stated.

Chief Ortom further advised Governor Alia to “take a chill pill” and avoid stoking unnecessary political tensions. He reminded the current administration that freedom of association is a constitutional right, adding that the former governor’s decision to honour a personal invitation should not provoke unwarranted attacks.

Akase urged Governor Alia to focus on governance, highlighting the pressing challenges facing the state, particularly insecurity. “Many Benue people are being killed daily in their communities by armed herders and bandits. We expect that the security of lives and property will form the fulcrum of Governor Alia’s agenda,” he said.

The former media aide also pointed out that the current administration has received federal allocations four times higher than the previous government, suggesting that these resources should be channelled towards developmental issues rather than political vendettas.

Chief Ortom concluded by wishing Governor Alia success in his role as the leader of Benue State.