Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, dismissed speculations on Sunday, labelling as “false” any suggestions that he planned to switch from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party. He affirmed his enduring commitment to the APC, expressing a special affinity for the party and vowing not to act against its interests.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi, Governor Alia refuted recent accusations by the APC in Benue State, alleging neglect and collaboration with opposition parties. The APC further claimed that the governor was funding a committee to disseminate false information about the state’s party chapter to the Presidency and the APC National Secretariat.
Governor Alia, in response, discredited these claims, asserting his dedicated efforts to uphold the party’s reputation. The statement declared, “This unsubstantiated claim further exposes a desperate inclination on the part of the fabricators. Rather than relying on concrete facts, they keep cooking media statements from rumours, trivial gossip, and their whimsical imaginations.”
The statement clarified the alleged committee: “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.”
The governor emphasized his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises to the people of Benue, citing ongoing funding of party activities and expanded stakeholders’ meetings as evidence of his dedication. The statement suggested that the administration was on the right track since the party did not accuse the governor of underperformance or cite public dissatisfaction.
“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,” the statement added.
Governor Alia clarified that the recently appointed interim local government caretaker chairmen were selected from the party’s nominations. Still, he maintained the prerogative to scrutinize and make decisions based on the suggested names.
