A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage after Berger Alfred Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, was allegedly heard urging supporters to attack anyone who speaks against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In the video, reportedly recorded at an event where Berger addressed a Tiv-speaking audience, the Speaker is quoted as saying, “If anybody comes here to speak against Alia, even if it is in the church, the meeting should be disrupted,” a statement that has since drawn widespread condemnation.
The remark has been described by critics as dangerous and incompatible with democratic norms, particularly given the Speaker’s position as the head of the legislative arm of government in the state.
One of the strongest reactions came from Ngutor Anyam, an academic Doctor and associate of Professor Sebastine Tar Hon, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who is aspiring to govern Benue State next year.
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Anyam condemned the alleged utterance, describing it as a direct threat to democracy, freedom of speech, and the rule of law, warning that such rhetoric could incite violence and undermine public confidence in governance.
He further alleged that since Professor Hon commenced consultations ahead of the Benue governorship race, there has been growing unease within the Benue State Government House, which he said has resulted in threats and hostile statements against perceived critics.
He also urged security agencies to immediately investigate the video, determine its authenticity, and call the speaker to order, stressing that no public official should be allowed to incite violence or intimidate citizens under any guise in a democratic society.
Anyam called for restraint, tolerance, and respect for democratic principles in the state.
Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states.
He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.
