Some people were paid N50m to tarnish Gov Alia’s image – Iorpev

The Benue State Government has alleged the existence of a ₦50 million propaganda campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of Governor Hyacinth Alia, escalating the war of words between the administration and its critics.

The allegation was made by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, in a rejoinder titled, “Governance Is Not Gossip,” issued in response to an article by political commentator, Mr. Celphas Iyorhen.

Iorpev accused some individuals of deliberately spreading unsubstantiated allegations against the governor in order to justify what he described as their share of a ₦50 million propaganda fund.

“I woke up this morning to another of Mr. Celphas Iyorhen’s mischievous article and was quite disappointed. In a time when Benue people are demanding roads, jobs, security and healing, it is unfortunate that some people, in order to justify their cheques and share of a ₦50 million propaganda fee, choose to trade in innuendo instead of facts,” he stated.

The governor’s aide argued that Governor Alia was elected to deliver development and not to engage in political distractions, insisting that the administration remains focused on infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and security.

According to him, allegations and personal insinuations against the governor do not contribute to governance or improve the welfare of citizens.

Iorpev also defended the appointment of women into strategic positions within the administration, describing criticisms surrounding female appointments as unfair and discriminatory.

He maintained that Governor Alia’s appointments were based on competence and in line with national policies promoting women’s participation in governance.

The media adviser further challenged critics who claim to possess evidence of wrongdoing against the governor to submit such information to relevant law enforcement agencies, rather than resorting to social media campaigns.

“Accountability requires facts, not fabrications. The people of Benue voted for performance and they are getting it, one project at a time,” he said.

Iorpev urged political actors and commentators to focus on constructive debate and policy issues rather than what he described as character attacks and unverified allegations.