In a dramatic twist to the ongoing political tensions in Benue State, Terseer Ugbor, the federal lawmaker representing the Kwande/Ushongo constituency, has called for the immediate dismissal of the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula. The call follows Kula’s inflammatory comment referring to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as a “mad man.”
Ugbor, in a scathing statement issued on Monday, condemned Kula’s actions as not only unbecoming of someone in such a prestigious public office but also a direct affront to the decorum expected from government representatives. According to Ugbor, Kula’s words were a “grave slight” not just against Akume but also against the presidency and the people of Nigeria.
“This is an unfortunate and disgraceful development that further tarnishes the image of the Benue State Government,” Ugbor remarked. “The Chief Press Secretary’s comment is a serious violation of the ethical standards expected of anyone in public office, especially someone who is supposed to represent the views of the government in a professional manner.”
Kula’s controversial remark, which went viral after it was posted on social media, has sparked outrage across political circles, with many describing it as an unprovoked attack against Akume. The SGF, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s current administration and a former governor of Benue State, has yet to respond publicly to the derogatory label.
Ugbor’s statement emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism, particularly in positions that directly interface with the media and the public. “As a Chief Press Secretary, Kula’s duty is to communicate the policies and ideals of the state government, not to engage in reckless insults. His actions undermine the values of democracy and civil discourse that we strive for in this country,” Ugbor stated.
The lawmaker’s demand for Kula’s dismissal is rooted in the belief that public officeholders must conduct themselves with dignity and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation. Ugbor pointed out that such disrespectful conduct would not be tolerated in any democratic setting, particularly when it comes from individuals holding positions of responsibility.
“This is not just about one individual,” Ugbor continued. “This is about the integrity of the office of the Chief Press Secretary. Benue State deserves a CPS who embodies professionalism and respect, someone who can represent the people with dignity, not someone who throws around insults like a reckless partisan.”
Ugbor’s condemnation of Kula is also linked to his broader criticism of the leadership style of Benue State Governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, whose administration has faced increasing scrutiny since taking office. Ugbor’s statement highlighted Kula’s remarks as part of a pattern of “undignified” actions emanating from the state’s leadership, which he believes has set a negative tone for governance in the region.
“This marks yet another low point for the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia,” Ugbor remarked. “It also casts a shadow on the reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration is striving for unity and cooperation across party lines.”
The lawmaker’s statement has gained significant traction on social media, where many have expressed support for Ugbor’s stance on the issue. Some political analysts argue that the incident is indicative of a larger political crisis in Benue, with factions within the state government increasingly at odds with one another.
In a separate interview, Ugbor expressed concern over the broader implications of Kula’s behavior for the relationship between the state and federal governments. “If we are to move forward as a nation, we must build bridges, not burn them. The Federal Government under President Tinubu has worked hard to promote unity, and such reckless remarks only serve to undermine these efforts,” he said.
Ugbor’s call for Kula’s removal is not only a direct appeal to the Benue State Government but also a formal request to the Nigerian Press Council to take action against Kula for violating journalistic ethics. “The Nigerian Press Council must issue a statement denouncing this kind of behavior and ensure that appropriate sanctions are applied. The media, and by extension, public servants like Kula, must be held accountable for their words and actions,” Ugbor asserted.
This is not the first time political tensions have boiled over into public insults in Benue State. The state has a history of political division, particularly between those aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has maintained significant influence in the region.
Tensions escalated further with the election of Father Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest, as governor, who has faced significant resistance from various factions within the state’s political elite. Alia’s leadership style has been a subject of intense debate, with many questioning his ability to manage the state’s complex political landscape.
Ugbor’s demand for Kula’s sacking now places additional pressure on the Benue State Governor, as the controversy surrounding the CPS’s remark threatens to deepen political rifts within the state. The call for Kula’s removal comes at a time when political allegiances in Benue are shifting, with some observers suggesting that Kula’s outburst is part of a broader effort to shore up political support for the governor within certain factions.
Despite the growing calls for Kula’s dismissal, it remains unclear whether Governor Alia will take any action. His office has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and Kula himself has remained largely silent since his comment went viral.
Political observers suggest that the controversy could have far-reaching consequences, particularly as the state heads into future elections. The handling of the Kula affair may influence how voters perceive Alia’s administration and its commitment to ethical governance.
As Ugbor’s calls for Kula’s sacking continue to reverberate, the Benue State Government faces mounting pressure to respond to the criticism and address concerns over the professionalism of its communications team. Whether or not Kula will be removed from his post remains to be seen, but Ugbor’s demands have undoubtedly sparked a wider conversation about the standards of conduct expected from public servants in Nigeria.
Ugbor concluded his statement by reiterating his commitment to the principles of democratic engagement. “We must all strive to uphold the dignity of our offices and respect the institutions that govern us. It is only through civil discourse and constructive engagement that we can move Nigeria forward,” he said.