By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Acting Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede has debunked the speculation that the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, intends to demolish the CAN secretariat in the North-Central state.
The CAN leader who was reacting to speculations on the matter in social media and other platforms, dismissed the speculation, insisting that the Governor has not contemplated destroying the secretariat.
He expressed joy that Gov. Alia has already debunked the allegation, describing the fake publications as malicious, false, baseless, and completely detached from the truth.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, had disclosed that Gov. Alia is a proud product of the Church, pointing out that his administration has consistently demonstrated respect, support and partnership with religious institutions, including CAN, across the State.
Iorpev stated that there are no plans to pull down the secretariat, as falsely alleged, neither have such been conceived, discussed or contemplated by the government.
The Ag CAN Chairman appreciated the Governor for his prompt response to the allegation and urged the political class not to drag the Church into the murky arena of politics.
Rev. Ugbede further explained that Gov. Alia has not only been sponsoring CAN activities but has continued to foot the medical bills of ill Christians, among other acts of goodwill.
Ugbede, who called on sponsors of such fake news to desist from fabricating stories capable of creating tension in the state, wondered what would benefit such persons.
The Ag Chairman called on the Christian community in the state not to panic over the fake news but disregard it and its sponsors as well as those spreading it, insisting that it was fabricated mainly to create disunity and generate bad blood between the Church and the Governor.
He called on the Christian community to intensify prayers for the Governor, urging them to continue to support Alia to enable him achieve more for Benue people.
Ugbede assured the Governor that the Church in Benue was not affected by the fake news and that it was solidly behind him.
