The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the media aide to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aliyu Tijani Ahmed.

The order for the arrest followed an allegation that one of the SSG’s media aides posted what the House considered inciting and provocative against it on the social media.

It would be recalled that a post that has gone viral few days ago alleged that the Nasarawa State Government has given money to the members of the House of Assembly as COVID-19 palliative for their constituents.

This, the House members considered annoying and an attempt to pitch their constituents against them.

The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Balarabe Abdullahi, read the resolution of the House after the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mohammed Omadefu, raised the issue under the matter of public interest during the House Emergency Sitting in Lafia, on Tuesday.

The Speaker reiterated that the arrest of the posters of the alleged fake news and hate speech in social media by security agencies and subsequent prosecution would serve as deterrent to others.

He equally called on the state government to issue a statement to clear the air on the purported fund.

“The reports on social media that the state government has given us money as palliative to our constituents over COVID-19 is unfortunate and false.

“Such reports are capable of creating confusion and disharmony between us and our people in our various constituencies.

“No amount of intimidations, mischiefs and insults will divert our attention and we will continue to protect the integrity of the House and I urged you to remain focused.

“It is in view of this that the House passed the following resolutions. One; the House debunk the story circulating on social media that the state government has given members money for palliative for their constituents to cushion the effect of COVID-19.

“Secondly, the House call on the Executive arm to come out and make a statement to clear the air on the purported fund.

“The House mandates the Chairmen, House Committee on Security and Information to meet with the security agencies for the arrest of those involved in such acts for prosecution to serve as deterrent to others,” the Speaker said.

The Speaker further warned youth against allowing themselves to be used as agents of fake news and hate speech.

It would further be recalled that the state House of Assembly is currently investigating the SSG over alleged diversion of funds meant for renovation of schools in the state.

The money was alleged to the release for the project when the SSG was Commissioner for Education under the then Governor Tanko Al-makura administration.