The Benue State Government has described as malicious and false a publication circulating on social media alleging that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has concluded plans to demolish the Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Makurdi.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, disclosed this in a statement, describing the claim as baseless and completely detached from the truth.
“We state, without equivocation, that this claim is false,” he said.
Iorpev reaffirmed that Governor Alia is a proud product of the Church and has great respect for, and maintains support and partnership with, religious institutions across Benue State, including CAN.
He said any suggestion to the contrary should be viewed as a deliberate fabrication designed to incite disaffection between the government and the Church and destabilise the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Alia-led administration’s commitment to maintaining a cordial, mutually respectful and productive relationship with CAN and all religious bodies operating in the state.
Iorpev urged members of the public, the media and well-meaning residents to disregard the publication in its entirety, stressing that the report does not reflect the position, policy or intention of the government.
“Mischief-makers, rumour peddlers and purveyors of disinformation should take note that deliberate fabrication and circulation of false information intended to incite public disaffection, disturb the peace, or damage the reputation of government institutions would be treated as a criminal offence,” he said.
He said such acts were punishable under extant Nigerian law, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, warning that individuals found culpable would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Iorpev insisted that the government would not fold its arms while unscrupulous elements exploit social media to sow discord and mislead the public.
He assured that Governor Alia’s administration would remain committed to transparency and continue to engage the public through official channels.