By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, has dismissed reports circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that Governor Hyacinth Alia was planning to demolish the association’s secretariat in the state.
The Acting Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Jonathan Ugbede, described the report as false and malicious, insisting that the governor had never contemplated demolishing the secretariat.
Ugbede, who spoke while reacting to the speculation, said the allegation was completely detached from reality and urged members of the Christian community in the state to disregard it.
He expressed satisfaction with the governor’s prompt response to the allegation, noting that Alia had already debunked the report.
According to him, the governor’s response was consistent with his administration’s relationship with the Church and other religious institutions in the state.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, had quoted Alia as saying that he was a proud product of the Church and that his administration had consistently demonstrated respect, support and partnership with religious institutions across Benue State, including CAN.
The governor, according to the statement, maintained that “no such plans, as falsely alleged, have been conceived, discussed or contemplated by the government.”
Reacting, Ugbede appreciated Alia for his prompt clarification and appealed to politicians not to drag the Church into partisan politics.
“I am happy that the governor has come out promptly to debunk the allegation. The publication is malicious, false, baseless and completely detached from the truth.
“The political class should not drag the Church into the murky arena of politics. The Church belongs to everybody and should remain an institution that promotes peace, unity and the wellbeing of the people,” he said.
The CAN leader further disclosed that Alia had continued to support activities of the association, including sponsoring some CAN programmes and assisting Christians with medical bills.
He said the governor’s interventions had enabled some beneficiaries who were previously ill to recover and regain their strength.
Ugbede questioned the motive behind the circulation of the alleged demolition report and urged those responsible for generating and spreading what he described as fake news to desist from actions capable of creating tension in the state.
“What will be the benefit to the sponsors of such fake news and those spreading the news? Such fabrications can only create unnecessary tension and generate bad blood between the Church and the governor,” he said.
The acting chairman urged Christians across Benue State not to panic over the report but to disregard the publication and its sponsors.
He said the report was allegedly fabricated to create disunity and strain the relationship between the Church and the governor.
Ugbede also called on members of the Christian community to intensify prayers for Alia and continue supporting his administration to enable it achieve more for the people of the state.
He assured the governor that the Benue Church remained united and was not affected by the publication.
“The Benue Church is solidly behind the governor. Our resolve to support him has remained unshaken,” Ugbede said.
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