James Ibechi’s Posturing on the CPS Kula Suspension
Tamenor Kwaghzer
Feb 15, 2026 04:03
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The piece by James Ibechi titled “Alia Drops CPS Tersoo Kula on Valentine Eve” suggests that the issue should have ended further conversations on the matter.
The indeed justifies the essence of journalism as a profession that demands accountability from public institutions and officials. Without doubt, nowhere should a Chief Press Secretary to a governor disappear from duty, as Sir Tersoo Kula appears to have done, without the media raising questions. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s CPS, Kula, reportedly stopped signing releases and vanished from the public space on account of an alleged suspension.
The disappearance of the Press Chief, or the circumstances surrounding it, remains a matter of conjecture, sending shivers down the media spine. The media must probe rather than rely on rumours and speculation that only deny the public the quality news currently trending as mystery.
James Ibechi rightly protested in his write-up that everything about the said suspension may not have been correct.
Public interest relies heavily on the media for survival. Therefore, this moment requires not only questions from the media on whether the CPS has been suspended as rumoured, but also inquiries into what the future holds for the office itself.
The mandate to question the concerned authorities lies squarely in the hands of journalists, and this is what empowered James Ibechi to demand accountability over the alleged suspension while raising other sundry matters.
Equally, James Ibechi needs to recognise that the governor has similar exclusive rights, like journalists, to perform his duties, including the hiring and firing of aides and the creation of offices that facilitate the smooth running of the administration.
The context of this analysis establishes the demarcation between Ibechi’s journalistic advice and Governor Alia’s discretion to act in ways that best suit the public interest, not whatever any person suspected to be a “busybody talker” hiding under journalism may attempt to impose on the occupant of Benue Government House.
Rightly so, the duty to identify Benue indigenes for appointments requires no media intrusion. James Ibechi’s admission that he advised Governor Alia on appointments and suggested names for certain offices appears to demonstrate needless arrogance that should not be encouraged.
As a journalist, James Ibechi may privately attempt to influence the governor’s decisions regarding appointments for his associates, but such efforts must not be rooted in arrogance or intimidation.
He cannot be allowed to continue playing what appears to be the role of touts who pressure authorities to grant appointments or opportunities to friends or to those who may have commissioned such lobbying for personal gain.
Discerning authorities do not accept advice that promotes journalistic rascality. Ibechi’s accusation that Governor Alia allegedly brought Solomon Iorpev into government partially addresses the issue, but his advice appears timid on one hand and, on the other, tends to portray Governor Alia as incapable of identifying suitable aides, unless others are expected to impose such choices on him.
In the same vein, to what extent does Ibechi expect members of the public, especially consumers of news products, to feel confident relying on media output when he claims that Solomon Iorpev, who serves the Alia administration as Technical Adviser on Media, Information and Strategic Communication, qualifies only as a Master of Ceremonies? His assertion that “Government House is not a wedding reception venue” effectively renders the Special Adviser worthless, suggesting he has nothing more to offer in the capacity for which Governor Alia appointed him.
This practice of journalism is troubling.
More disturbing, however, is Ibechi’s admission of limited knowledge about Solomon Iorpev, yet he proceeded to go on the offensive. Journalists must investigate their subjects before publishing such claims. His failure, or inability, to do so risks exposing his professional judgment to public scrutiny.
In that light, James Ibechi’s report against Solomon Iorpev may reasonably be viewed by the public as blackmail, or what else should it be called?
