ABUJA – The Benue National Assembly Caucus, on Thursday, expressed concerns over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s approach to resolving internal party disputes in Benue, criticizing his handling of peace efforts initiated by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
The APC in Benue State has been facing internal challenges, particularly after Governor Alia’s inauguration just a few months ago. Efforts by various stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly from the state, to facilitate a dialogue with the Governor for the sake of unity have reportedly been unsuccessful.
Despite interventions from key figures, including the Presidency, the national leadership of the APC, and the Tor Tiv, HRM Professor James Ayatse, aimed at reconciling Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, tensions within the party continue to escalate.
This discord, according to political analysts, has led to complications such as the emergence of parallel chairmanship and councillorship candidates ahead of the upcoming October 5 Local Government elections, which some have interpreted as a disregard for President Tinubu’s call for unity within the APC in Benue.
Speaking to the press in Abuja, Rep. Philip Agbese, the spokesperson for the Benue National Assembly and Federal Appointees Caucus, expressed disappointment over reports that Governor Alia had declined to engage with a mediator sent by President Tinubu.
Agbese described the Governor’s actions as detrimental to the party’s progress, emphasizing the need for unity to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Advertisement
“It is concerning that a sitting governor would undermine the President’s efforts to bring peace to the party. This lack of cooperation is counterproductive and harmful to the APC’s future in Benue,” Agbese remarked.
He further criticized the Governor’s leadership style, suggesting that Governor Alia has demonstrated a pattern of disrespect toward senior figures within the party, including those who have significantly contributed to his political success.
“Governor Alia appears to prioritize his own interests over the well-being of the party and the people of Benue. This approach is not only damaging but risks deepening the political divisions in the state,” Agbese added.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Agbese assured that the Benue National Assembly members remain committed to the ideals of the APC and expressed confidence that the crisis would be resolved.
He urged party members to stay focused and continue working toward the party’s goals, with the hope that peace would soon be restored.
In closing, Agbese reaffirmed the caucus’s loyalty to the party under the leadership of Senator Akume and President Tinubu, expressing optimism for a more unified APC as they look ahead to future electoral victories.
