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The Benue State Government has escalated its response to online criticism by announcing that it has compiled and submitted video evidence of alleged insults and defamation directed at Governor Hyacinth Alia to the Office of the Attorney General for further action.
In a strongly worded statement posted on the Alia TV Network—a media platform supportive of the governor—the Office of the Governor on Social Media declared that all relevant videos featuring an individual identified as Wan Mbavaa (also referred to as Ngokwase and Wan Mbavaa) insulting and spreading falsehoods against His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormemem Alia, have been downloaded and formally forwarded to the Attorney General.
The statement, issued by Comr. Asortart James Asortart, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, warned that the government has reached its limit and will no longer tolerate what it describes as defamation or misinformation aimed at undermining the leadership and the developmental progress being recorded in Benue State.
“We want to make it clear that all is set; if I hear Ngokwase, Wan Mbavaa spreading falsehoods against the Governor again, I will take legal action on behalf of the Benue State Government,” the post read. “Enough is enough. We will not tolerate defamation or misinformation that undermines our leadership and the progress we strive for in Benue State.”
The announcement was copied to key security and anti-crime agencies, including the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), signaling potential involvement of law enforcement should further alleged infractions occur.
The development highlights the growing tension between the current administration and certain voices on social media who have been critical of Governor Alia’s policies, appointments, or style of governance. While the exact content of the videos in question was not detailed in the statement, the reference to “insulting and defaming” suggests accusations of character assassination or the dissemination of unverified claims.
Governor Alia’s media team has increasingly adopted a firm stance against perceived online attacks, framing such criticism as deliberate attempts to sabotage the state’s progress under his leadership. This latest move indicates a readiness to pursue legal remedies, including possible charges of defamation, cyberbullying, or related offences under Nigerian law.
As of the time of this report, there has been no public response from the individual named Wan Mbavaa or any confirmation from the Attorney General’s office regarding receipt or review of the submitted materials. The situation remains closely watched by political observers and residents, who see it as part of a broader effort by the state government to regulate or counter critical narratives on digital platforms.
