By Aaron Ossai
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, has accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Thomas Bariere.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dekor described recent reports alleging a deteriorating security situation in Khana as “fabricated” and “malicious,” insisting that the local government has witnessed significant improvements in peace and security under Bariere’s administration.
According to the federal lawmaker, the current administration inherited security challenges that affected peace, social harmony and economic activities across the area. He claimed that through collaboration with security agencies, stakeholder engagement and governance initiatives, the council chairman has restored public confidence and improved security.
Dekor alleged that those behind the reports were disgruntled individuals seeking to undermine the achievements of the administration for political reasons. He further claimed that the alleged misinformation campaign was linked to persons opposed to the government’s efforts to combat cultism, gangsterism, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the local government.
“As the elected representative of the people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, I cannot remain silent while desperate individuals seek to drag the name of Khana into disrepute through false narratives,” he said.
The lawmaker warned those allegedly responsible for sponsoring or spreading false information to desist, stressing that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the deliberate publication of falsehood capable of disrupting public peace.
He said individuals found, following investigations, to have financed, coordinated or deliberately disseminated false and malicious publications would be reported to relevant security and law enforcement agencies for possible prosecution in accordance with Nigerian laws.
Dekor urged residents of Khana to disregard what he described as false reports intended to create fear and division, while encouraging continued support for the local government administration.
He maintained that, despite what he termed sponsored propaganda, the administration’s achievements in security, governance and grassroots development remain evident; adding that truth and factual reporting should prevail over misinformation.
