Maureen Okpe
The Benue State Government has strongly debunked as fake news, a viral report alleging that Governor Hyacinth Alia collaborated with Fulani leaders to raise N300 billion to launder his image abroad.
In a press statement released on Monday, May 12, 2025, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula, the government described the publication by the “Network for Transparent Governance” (NTG) as a fabricated, fake news, baseless and malicious attempt to smear the reputation of the Governor.
Kula, denounced the report authored by individuals identified as Dennis Agema and Oliver Omenka, labeling them as agents of destabilization seeking to incite ethnic tension and mislead the public.
According to the statement, Governor Alia’s recent visit to the United States was at the invitation of the Department of African and African-American Studies at Harvard University.
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“He was there to deliver a paper on Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria under the seminar theme Nigeria in the World, and not for any image-laundering scheme as alleged.”
Sir Kula emphasized that Governor Alia, like any state leader, actively promotes Benue’s economic and investment potential whenever the opportunity arises.
He disclosed that, Governor Alia’s US visit also included diplomatic engagements aimed at drawing international attention to the security challenges in Benue, the plight of internally displaced persons, and efforts to attract development partnerships to the state.
Kula noted that, the allegation of a N300 billion fund is not only laughable but a clear case of disinformation intended to undermine public trust and disrupt social harmony.
The government challenged the authors of the claim to provide credible evidence, including dates, documents or witnesses to support their allegations, asserting that none exist.
The government reaffirmed that Governor Alia remains committed to justice, security, and the welfare of all Benue citizens.
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His administration, the statement noted, continues to make strides in improving the state’s security architecture, facilitating the return of displaced persons, and fostering unity through dialogue and inclusive governance.
Dismissing the report as propaganda by political detractors and rogue elements threatened by the Governor’s rising profile, the government urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard the “toxic and misleading” claims.
The Benue State Government also warned that it reserves the right to take legal action against individuals or groups involved in spreading libelous and fake news aimed at tarnishing the image of public officials.