The Benue State Government has disassociated Governor Hyacinth Alia from social media attacks against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and other prominent indigenes of the state, warning individuals against invoking the governor’s name to justify insults, harassment and personal attacks.
The position was conveyed in a press statement issued by Comrade Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media Communications, who said the conduct of individuals engaging in such attacks did not reflect the principles of responsible communication, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Asortar said individuals supporting the Alia administration should express their loyalty through constructive engagement, factual communication and contributions to the development of Benue State, rather than resorting to insults, intimidation or character assassination.
“Support for his administration should be expressed through constructive engagement, factual communication, and meaningful contributions to the development of Benue State, not insults, intimidation, or character assassination,” the aide said in the statement.
He cautioned individuals against using the governor’s name or administration as a cover for personal attacks or other unlawful conduct, insisting that political support should not be construed as justification for abusive behaviour on social media.
To underscore the distinction between the governor’s public image and the conduct of individuals claiming to support him, Asortar referenced Alia’s background as a Catholic priest in the Order of Melchizedek, saying the governor’s vocation of service was consistent with a message of peace, love, unity and compassion.
The aide further stated that individuals who considered their dignity, reputation or legal rights to have been violated by statements published online were entitled to seek appropriate legal redress against those responsible.
According to him, responsibility for online statements rests with the individuals who make or publish them, adding that neither the governor nor his office should be held accountable for statements they had neither authorised nor endorsed.
“Our position remains clear: political differences should be addressed with maturity, respect, and a commitment to peace,” Asortar said.
The governor’s aide also expressed appreciation to supporters who had stood by Alia since 2023, acknowledging their contributions to public engagement and urging them to sustain their support through responsible advocacy and constructive dialogue.
He called on supporters and other political stakeholders to prioritise the collective interests of Benue State above personal and political differences.
“Let us promote peace, uphold dignity, defend the truth, and place the interests of Benue State above personal and political differences,” he said.
Asortar reaffirmed the importance of peaceful political engagement, urging social media users to exercise restraint and ensure that their contributions to public discourse reflected respect for the dignity and rights of others.
