Benue Governor Speaks On Dumping APC

Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Sunday described as “false” the insinuations that he was planning to dump the All Progressives Congress for the Peoples Democratic Party. He said he had special love for the APC and would never work against it.

Alia disclosed these in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi.

The APC in Benue State chapter recently accused the governor of neglecting the party and working with opposition political parties.

It also accused the governor of recruiting and funding a five-man committee to convey false information about the state’s chapter of the party to the Presidency and the APC National Secretariat.

But Alia debunked the claims, saying he was working tirelessly to make the party proud, adding, “This unsubstantiated claim further exposes a desperate inclination on the part of the fabricators. They keep cooking media statements from rumours, trivial gossips and their whimsical imaginations, rather than relying on concrete facts.”

Reacting to the purported committee, the statement noted, “A particularly absurd claim says there is a formation and funding of a committee headed by retired Gen Lawrence Onoja and Mr Emmanuel Jime, supposedly tasked to misinform the Presidency and National Secretariat about the situation in Benue.

“That committee is also expected to spread falsehoods against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (George Akume). As a governor, l am determined to fulfill my campaign promises to Benue people. My continued funding of our party activities and expanding its stakeholders meetings in the state are eloquent testimonies of how I hold the party so dear to my heart.”

The statement noted that since the party did not accuse the governor of underperformance or cite public dissatisfaction with his leadership style, it meant the administration was on the right track.

It added, “While we acknowledge the need to unite Benue and make it a better place for us and our children, we equally wish to submit that developing Benue in all sectors is an imperative that sits boldly on the wish list of Alia.

“Alia understands the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving the above. He has been making frantic efforts towards maintaining a cordial working relationship with the leadership of his party.”

The governor explained that those recently sworn in as interim local government caretaker chairmen were among those nominated by the party but that it was his prerogative to subject the suggested names to scrutiny before taking a decision.