Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

Controversy has surrounded the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the event, which was meant to select a candidate for the February 4 by-election for the State House of Assembly. The need for the by-election arose after Dr. Yamar Ortese, representing the Guma 1 state constituency, was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services. During a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia claimed the primary was disrupted by threats and hijacked by individuals who were not from the Guma Local Government Area and should not have participated in the election. The APC’s state spokesperson, Morgan Ihomun, countered that the governor cannot suspend a process that the party already conducted in an orderly manner. Governor Alia, accompanied by state security chiefs, also mentioned that the primary was planned for Saturday but was overshadowed by threats from irate youths. The governor said, “Security of state remains paramount to us. Today (Saturday), the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this posed insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the irate youth. “Party stakeholders felt disenchanted. I would not want any semblance of insecurity in the state. I suspend the delegate primary. Sad enough the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who do not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry. Party faithful must help keep the peace in the state. “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. I know that the national working committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.” Meanwhile, Morgan insisted that the primary election had been held and a candidate emerged to fly the party ticket during the forthcoming by-election. He said, “The question we should be asking is that, does the governor have the power to suspend the primary election?”

Appeal Court Dismisses Uba, PDP’s Suit Against Gov Alia, Deputy

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division on Monday, dismissed an appeal instituted by the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Titus Uba, challenging the election of Hyacinth Alia as the elected Governor of Benue State. In a judgement delivered by the lead Justice, Onyekachi Aja Otisi dismissed the allegations of non qualifications made by Uba against the Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode. In a unanimous judgment, the Appallate Court held that the PDP gubernatorial candidate failed to establish forgery of INEC form EC9 by Ode beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. Among others, the Court of Appeal said that the issues of non qualifications are pre-election matters which can only be challenged at a Federal High Court and not at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as done by Uba. Also, Justice Otisi said that a suit to challenge non qualifications can only be instituted within 14 days of occurrence of the subject matter. The Court also dealt with the allegations by Uba that the name of the Governor, Hyacinth Alia was not not submitted by the All Progressives Congress APC to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC within 180 days before the election of March 18. The Court held that the allegations can survive because the primary election that produce Alia was ordered by a High Court and was done within the period ordered by the court. In the final analysis, Justice Otisi held that the appeal of Uba against the judgment of Benue State Election Petition Tribunal delivered on September 23 lacked merit and was dismissed. The Court subsequently upheld the judgment of the Tribunal and rejected the plea of Uba to void it and set it aside.

Gov Alia Wasn’t Stoned By Youths, Benue Govt Debunks Reports

The Benue State government has denied allegations that youths threw objects at Governor Hyacinth Alia during his visit to Vaatia College in Makurdi.  Reports had emerged on Wednesday that youths stoned the governor while protesting over plans to bury their proprietor within the school premises in their community. The proprietor, Engr Vaatia, who died two days ago, was buried today. Sir Kula Tersoo, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, labeled the reports as untrue and aimed at tarnishing the governor’s image. Tersoo clarified that the governor’s purpose at Vaatia College was to address incidents of vandalism and theft, directing authorities to apprehend those responsible.  He emphasized that Governor Alia’s visit was uninterrupted, highlighting the governor’s track record of moving around the state without harassment. In urging media professionals to verify news sources before publication, Tersoo emphasized the need for accuracy and investigative reporting.  He condemned the “ill-intended” nature of the reports and stressed the importance of ensuring the truthfulness of news before dissemination.

I Inherited N359bn Debt From Past Administration –Gov Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Sunday disclosed that his administration inherited the sum of N359 billion as debt from the past administration in the state. Alia disclosed this at an interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary. The church service was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, at the Methodist Cathedral, South Bank, Makurdi. The governor, who is a Catholic priest, said that in spite of the debt burden, he was determined to reposition the state by providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. “God has accomplished his work, and it is now left for us to make our state and nation to work. I am here to make things work. “What we inherited was nothing to be proud of, but we will do what will make us all proud. I inherited over N359bn debt,” he said. He regretted that the state lost billions of Naira worth of agricultural produce and other property to herders’ attacks on farmers. He said that the farmers must be supported to do their job well. Alia said that the condition of rural dwellers following incessant herders’ attacks and fuel subsidy removal had become worrisome. He said that his administration would find ways to support farmers by providing seedlings, fertilisers and other forms of support to enable them to work effectively in the coming farming season. “My colleagues call me the governor of the richest state in Nigeria and I agree with them because we have numerous mineral deposits, we have the best yams and soyabeans, among others. “We will create billionaires in the state through our farms. We have everything it takes to do it.” Alia ordered the immediate end to illegal mining in the state. “The foreigners illegally mining gold in Kwande, Logo, Konshisha LGAs and other places in the state should desist from it immediately. This is an order,” he said. He said that God blessed the state and the entire Nigeria abundantly and it was left for the leaders to make things to work. He decried the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state, pledging to tackle them. The governor said that the future of the state lied in the hands of the youth, adding that his administration was training 10,000 youths in information technology for improved digital knowledge. Alia gave the assurance that his administration would not accommodate corruption and nepotism. The governor appealed to Benue sons and daughters to support the state in any way they could.

Independence Day: Benue Govt Purchases 100 Buses to Mitigate Subsidy Removal Effects

The Benue Government says it has procured 100 buses to be handed over to the Benue Links, the state-owned transport company to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol. Governor Hyacinth Alia stated this in a radio and television broadcast as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary in Makurdi. Alia said he was aware of the sufferings of the people following the removal of fuel subsidy and other harsh economic realities in the country. “Our good people of Benue, I share the pains most of you are going through; and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition, as well as strengthen our institutions for good governance. I want to assure you that succour is on the way. “In the meantime, we have purchased 100 buses to be handed over soon to Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, to provide affordable transportation to the public. “In addition, plans are underway to distribute N50,000 each, to market women across the state, to enhance their petty trade businesses. “Our lofty visions, policies and strategies for good governance cannot be achieved in a society bereft of security of lives and property,” he said.Alia added: “No society thrives in the face of wanton killings, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts, and so forth.“The independent anniversary is a moment for us to salute our heroes past. It took valour, sacrifice and cohesive nationalistic onslaught for them to actualise our country’s political freedom. “It is important to thank the Almighty God for preserving us amidst several storms, some of which at some point within the last 63 years, threatened our very own existence as a country.“While we reflect in retrospect, it is equally pertinent for us to examine where we are, and look to the brighter future that lies ahead of us, especially in a State like ours that possesses allthe potentials of peaking us in the comity of states.”

Gov Alia inaugurates panel to audit Benue State Varsity

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi visitation panel to audit the institution from 2016 to date. Alia, who was represented by the deputy governor, Chief Sam Ode, also urged the members of the panel to investigate the application of funds allocated for specific projects and to also assess staff development problems. He equally tasked the panel to evaluate the relationship between the management and stakeholders of the institution, assess the conditions of physical infrastructure and instructional materials, and scrutinize student enrollment within the period. The governor further urged the panel to approach the assignment with the utmost diligence, thoroughness and to be impartial and called on the management of the University to give their full cooperation and support to the panel. In his response, the Chairman of the panel, Prof. Gabriel Moti promised transparency and fairness in its assignment. Mori urged stakeholders to cooperate with the panel. Other members of the panel are Prof. Kwaghkondo Agber, Mr. Peter Igyeigye, Prof. Christie Ekoja, Mr. Sam Yuhwa, Prof. Okpe Okpe, and Mr. Simon Orkuma (Secretary).