Benue LG Poll: ‘Video On Mass Ballot Thumbprinting Made To Ridicule My Govt’ – Gov Alia

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said the viral video of mass ballot thumb printing during last Saturday’s Local Government election in the state was done by desperate individuals to score cheap political points.

Naija News reports that Alia, in a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the video where alleged Benue All Progressives Congress, APC, members were seen thumbprinting several ballot papers as a stage-managed drama.

The governor insisted that the October 5, 2024, local government poll in the state was the best held, stressing that the video was one of the tactics to cast a shadow over a transparent and violence-free election.

The statement read, “The video, which has been used to ridicule the Government of Benue State and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, is nothing more than an unfortunate attempt by desperate individuals to score cheap political points.

“Upon thorough review, it is clear that the video is an obvious stage-managed drama, orchestrated by those who seek to undermine the good governance of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“We found no credible evidence linking this fabricated content to the governor or his administration.

“Prior to the elections, credible sources informed us of underhand plans by some opposition elements to discredit the electoral process. This video appears to be one of their tactics to cast a shadow over a transparent and violence-free election.

“It is important to note that this election marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in many years that voters in Benue had access to ballot papers for local government elections.

“For the first time in Benue state, since the final resurgence of democracy in Nigeria, BSIEC recruited and meticulously trained all adhoc staff for the polls. There was also massive deployment of adhoc staff and sensitive and nonsensitive materials distributed in the full glare of the media and political party agents. This achievement should be celebrated rather than tarnished.

“We urge journalists and media outlets, particularly Arise TV, which aired the misleading video and accompanying commentary to uphold the ethics of their profession. As the light of society, it is crucial to cross-check facts and avoid being swayed by mere spectacle before going public.

“We remain committed to transparency and accountability in governance and will not be deterred by attempts to mislead the public.”