By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has passed a vote of no confidence on the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula for alleged conduct conterminous with the progress of members and exclusion and as divisive tendancies on media professionals
The Congress presided over by the Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, took the decision at the NUJ House in Makurdi in which Kula’s wrong doings ranging from been disrespectful to the Union, exclusive and divisive to media practitioners in the state were spelt out.
In a communiqué signed by Terhemen Ater and Tsavbee Ayila, Chairman and Secretary respectively, accused Kula of operating a system that sidelines Benue-based journalists, monopolizing resources and opportunities meant for the wider media community, and fostering factions through selective patronage and favoritism.
Members also condemned what they described as his “continuous disregard and open disrespect” for the office of the NUJ state chairman, saying it undermined the union’s institutional standing.
The union appealed to Governor Alia to intervene in the interest of peace, unity, and professionalism within the state’s media landscape, and mandated the NUJ secretary to formally communicate the resolution to the CPS and other relevant authorities.
The congress congratulated Governor Alia on winning the APC governorship primaries and commended his administration for improvements in infrastructural development in the state.
The Union called on the state government to address challenges facing state-owned media organizations, commence distribution of farming inputs ahead of the peak season to boost food production, and revive bursary payments for Benue indigene in tertiary institutions.
The Congress also raised concerns over security and press freedom. It cautioned security agencies against harassing journalists covering political activities, condemned the resurgence of insecurity in the state, and tasked security agencies to improve surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
Benue NUJ implored politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections and avoid hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric that could threaten the peace in the state.
The union commended Benue journalists for their professionalism and balanced reportage despite industry challenges, reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism, good governance, accountability, and democratic values.
