RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, has told former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to focus on politics in Kano and stay out of what he described as Benue’s internal political affairs.
Kula made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday while responding to Kwankwaso’s criticism of Alia and comments on the governor’s relationship with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Kwankwaso had described the political disagreement between Alia and Akume as “unfortunate and unnecessary” and criticised the Benue governor’s handling of the situation.
Responding, Kula described Kwankwaso’s criticism of Alia as “unfortunate and unwarranted”, arguing that it did little to promote constructive political discourse.
He also linked Kwankwaso’s criticism to the controversy surrounding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s recent visit to Benue State.
“We understand his misplaced grudge against Governor Alia,” Kula said.
“He is angry because his principal, Peter Obi, was sneaked into Benue without proper coordination, after which he falsely accused the Governor of disrupting the visit.”
Kula alleged that the controversy surrounding Obi’s visit was deliberately created by individuals seeking to portray the Benue governor negatively.
He further criticised Kwankwaso for commenting on the relationship between Alia and Akume, saying the former Kano governor should instead concentrate on political developments in his home state.
“Someone needs to tell the former Governor of Kano State that, rather than interfering in Benue’s internal affairs or making unfounded claims about the relationship between Governor Alia and Senator George Akume, he should focus on the political challenges confronting him in Kano,” Kula said.
The governor’s spokesman maintained that Benue residents were capable of assessing Alia’s administration and deciding their political future.
“Kwankwaso should face Kano politics. He has enough to explain why his party performed so abysmally in the last by-elections conducted in his state.
“He must respect the people’s mandate in Benue and offer ideas, not insults,” Kula added.
