Pro-Democracy Group Calls for Governor Alia’s Resignation Over Insecurity Crisis

The Defenders of Democracy (DoD), a pro-democracy group, has issued a scathing rebuke against Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, urging him to resign due to his alleged incompetence in addressing the escalating insecurity plaguing the state.

In a statement released by the group’s President, Amos Uchiv, and disseminated to journalists in Makurdi on Friday, DoD condemned Governor Alia’s recent ban on political gatherings, labeling it a diversionary tactic to mask his failure in tackling the security challenges triggered by the influx of armed herdsmen.

The group accused Governor Alia of squandering substantial security votes without effectively utilizing the funds to quell the wave of attacks perpetrated by armed herdsmen against innocent citizens.

Governor Alia’s announcement of a ban on political gatherings was met with sharp criticism from the DoD, questioning its relevance to addressing the prevailing security crisis in the state. The group argued that the ban only served to underscore Governor Alia’s admission of failure in maintaining security and stability within Benue State.

READ ALSO: Labour Party Chairman Vows to Take Over Power, Promises Quality Leadership

Furthermore, DoD lambasted Governor Alia for allegedly prioritizing political battles, investigations, and extravagant projects over the fundamental duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of Benue residents.

The group lamented Governor Alia’s purported endorsement of the establishment of cattle colonies in Benue State, a move perceived as detrimental to the interests of the local populace and conducive to further exacerbating the security challenges.

DoD expressed nostalgia for former Governor Samuel Ortom’s staunch opposition to the Fulani agenda, contrasting it with what they perceive as Governor Alia’s lackluster performance in protecting Benue citizens from external threats.

READ ALSO: 2,497 doctors and others have been recruited – Minister of Health

In a final call to action, DoD demanded Governor Alia’s immediate resignation, citing his alleged incapacity to provide adequate security for the state’s populace. The group urged Governor Alia to step down honorably and relinquish power to his Deputy or the Speaker of the House of Assembly to avert further endangerment of the lives and properties of Benue residents.

The group condemned the ban on political gatherings imposed by Governor Alia, urging him to retract the decision promptly to prevent unnecessary political tension in the state. DoD reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and rejecting any semblance of autocratic governance in Nigeria.