The Benue State Government has described as mischievous a report in New Telegraph newspaper of January 25, 2021 with the headline ‘COVID-19: Ortom’s Absence Paralyses Benue Govt’s Activities.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Terver Akase, the government says the story is not only false and misleading but also portrays the reporter as one who is out to bring the image of the Governor and his office to disrepute.
He berated the reporter for writing a misleading report after visiting the state‘s seat of power on Sunday, 24th January 2021,a work free day and less government activities.
Akase maintained that following the COVID-19 status of some of the Governor’s close aides including his personal physician, his aide de camp and orderly, he had to go into self-isolation as the protocol on prevention of the virus demands which was earlier made public.
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The Government’s spokesman says its smacks of zero journalistic integrity on the part of the New Telegraph reporter to insinuate without proof that government activities have come to a halt.
While highlighting other official engagement the Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu has presided over on behalf of the Governor in last few weeks,Akase said the Governor himself has held several virtual meetings with different groups.
“Governor Ortom remains committed to the task of serving the people, and no amount of blackmail can distract him. “He added.
(Editor:Abaje Usekwe)
