POLITICS
Benue Diaspora Lambasts Benue National Assembly Caucus, Enumerate Alia’s Achievements
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A political group, under the umbrella of Divine Mandate Benue Diaspora (DMBD), on Sunday said Governor Hyacinth Alia has recorded remarkable achievements within seven months of his administration more than other governors that had ruled the State in the past.
The group further said it is regrettable that a surge of political manoeuvring had unfolded over the recent months, marked by numerous politicians vying for recognition and relevance thereby portraying the administration of Alia in bad light and unjustified criticisms.
The DMBD is an arm of governor Alia’s campaign group, who pulled human and material resources together to galvanized support for his victory during the 2023 governorship elections in the State
Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, the State capital, the group Chairman and Lagos State coordinator, Mr.
Akpur Emmanuel, said the group have not just become a beacon for leadership recruitment in Benue State, but also presented a wonderful brand, in person of Alia and cannot fold arms to continue to watch the brand tossed about and distracted from delivering on his campaign promises and mandate.Mr Akpur, while reacting to remarks by the Benue National Assembly Caucus who claimed that governor Alia had embezzled security votes of about N3 billion and unlawfully dissolved the local government council chairmen, development they alleged were responsible for the insecurity in the state, said such accusations must be condemnable.
He explained that Alia’s administration had succeeded within seven months where past leaders who stayed longer years in office failed.
The group’s chairman stated that Alia has embarked on unprecedented projects including construction of 16 township roads and flyovers within Makurdi, purchased 300 metric tons of fertilizer and sold them to farmers at subsidized rate.
“Fr. Alia’s administration stands out as it is taking the bull by horns in exercising the hydra-headed demon of non-payment of salaries and uncanny reference to pensioners as dead people as it was the case in the previous administration.
“Our action governor has also wasted no time in domesticating the federal government approved new retirement age for primary and secondary school teachers, thereby retaining seasoned hands within the bedrock of our educational system.
“Knowing fully the financial challenges in the State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken the registration of WAEC and NECO examinations for SS3 students from government approved schools as responsibility of his administration. This is a step to enhance development in education.
“Contrary to the puerile remarks by the national assembly members concerning insecurity, Fr. Alia has continued to interface with various security agencies of the Federal Government to set the necessary security safeguards to guarantee the return of the IDPs to their ancestral homes and instituted a regime of fair and equitable distribution of both relief materials and palliatives to all.
“As they look to ingratiate their personal selfish agenda, we direct their attention to the fact that the Alia administration in collaboration with the Federal Government is currently constructing the dilapidated Otukpo-Enugu road.
“Alia cannot share money as it was done in the past. We urge this group of distractors to familiarize themselves with the nation’s constitution which clearly outlines the responsibilities of every office at each level of government.
“It is imperative that the national assembly members concentrate on their constitutionally mandated duty of representing their constituencies effectively at the national level.
“It is regrettable that, since 1999, the people of Benue have witnessed minimal impact from their representatives in the national assembly, whether in terms of employment opportunities or the execution of constituency projects contrary to what we observe in the States where we reside.
“We unequivocally implore our current representatives in the national assembly to refrain from becoming agents of mass distraction to the committed governor”, Akpur stated.
He however called on the people to emulate the governor’s focus and diligently work towards delivering the benefits of democracy to the constituents they are representing.
The group Chairman further enjoined every Benue indigene particularly those in leadership positions to come together and collaborate for the well-being of Benue populace.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.
S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added. (NAN)
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state, promising to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.
Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area at the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor who was received by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.
He assured the people that the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by according topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under his leadership.
Ododo who spoke in English and Ebira languages commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured that their support will be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerges victorious in the September 21 governorship election.
Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed profound sadness over the death of Joseph Haruna Duza, the member representing Munya State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence.
In a condolence message statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of the lawmaker as both shocking and a significant loss, not only to the people of Munya but to the entire state.
Bago highlighted Duza’s invaluable contributions and active role in combating insecurity within the state, as well as his unwavering dedication to its growth and development.
The Governor emphasised that only God can fill the void left by Duza’s demise.
Bago extended his heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, other members of the 10th State Assembly, the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and the people of Munya Local Government.
He urged them to accept Duza’s death as an act of God.
Bago prayed for the repose of Duza’s soul and for comfort for all those affected by this loss.
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