Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has again refuted claims by some influential Benue State indigenes who have accused him and his administration of shielding herdsmen allegedly behind the wave of killings in Benue.
Reacting strongly to the accusations, Governor Sule has warned of legal consequences should the individuals behind the claims fail to issue a public retraction and apology.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Lafia, Ibrahim Addra, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, described the continuous allegations as deeply regrettable and unfounded.
“We are constrained to respond to a series of allegations against the person of Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and the Government of the State by some prominent sons and daughters of Benue state in the wake of the unfortunate killings in that state,” Addra stated.
He particularly referenced comments made by Professor Zachary Anger Gundu, a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Benue State University, Makurdi, whose recent statements have stirred public outrage.
“In particular, the attention of Governor Sule who doubles as the Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum has been drawn to a malicious statement made against his person and the Government of Nasarawa state by one Prof. Zachary Anger Gundu, a prominent son of Benue and former Pro Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Benue State University Makurdi,” Addra noted.
He revealed that a video circulating widely on social media captured Prof. Gundu accusing Governor Sule of shielding the killers in Benue and facilitating the illegal occupation of Tiv farmlands in Nasarawa by Fulani herders.
“In a viral video circulating on some social media platforms, the said Prof. Gundu was heard making unguarded statements and directly accusing Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of ‘masking the killings in Benue state’ and ‘forcefully taking over farmlands belonging to the Tiv people of Nasarawa state and handing over same to Fulani herdsmen’ among other allegations,” he added.
The press secretary expressed shock over the accusations, particularly coming from someone considered a respected figure in Benue.
“We are dismayed that Prof. Gundu could stoop so low and throw caution to the wind by making such unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against the Governor.”
He maintained that Sule, the government, and the people of Nasarawa share in the grief of the Benue killings but are disheartened by the rising tide of falsehoods.
“Let it be known that Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Government and people of Nasarawa state are pained by the killings in Benue State but highly disappointed by the series of false allegations coming from a supposed statesman and other prominent sons and daughters of Benue State,” Addra said.
Sule, according to Addra, has cautioned that he may be forced to take legal measures if the accusations are not withdrawn and an apology issued.
“Governor Sule has issued warning to his recent accuser that he is left with no option but to take legal actions if apology is not made to retract the statement made against him in the video making the round.”
Despite the accusations, Addra emphasized the Governor’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
“It is on record that Governor Sule, in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness has continued to demonstrate serious concern and empathy over the unfortunate killings in Benue and other parts of the North-Central region.”
He concluded with a direct challenge to Prof. Gundu to back his claims with verifiable facts.
“We challenge Prof. Gundu to prove his allegations with empirical evidence, detailing where the said killer herdsmen are being camped in Nasarawa State and the involvement of the Governor in such.
“Failure to prove these allegations Governor Abdullahi Sule will institute legal actions against the former Pro-Chancellor and his co-travellers,” he said.
