PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Makurdi, 16th October 2023
Five Months into Governor Hyacinth Alia's Administration in Benue State: The Time For George Akume to Spare Benue of His Asphyxiating Hands and Pat Us His Hand of Grace
Esteemed members of the press, distinguished guests, and concerned citizens,
We convene today as the Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) to address critical developments witnessed during the first five months of Governor Hyacinth Alia's tenure in Benue State.
We reflect upon 24 years of enduring hardship and the painful struggles that Benue citizens have faced at the hands of Sen. George Akume. His prevailing attitude towards leadership in our state is bewildering considering that the last three governors after his exit from office in 2007 are his personal choices.
During this period, our scrutiny revealed several pressing issues that predate the lifespan of the Alia administration, albeit specific mention of key appointments and administrative decisions within the Alia administration.
We express our deep concern regarding the tumultuous early appointments, the delayed announcements of pivotal roles such as Commissioners and Advisers, and the inconsistent assignment of portfolios to these advisers.
Moreover, allegations have surfaced about external influences, most notably Senator George Akume, wielding significant power in these appointments and administrative matters.
Disturbingly, it has been brought to our attention that Senator Akume has recruited loyal members within the state assembly, each purportedly receiving a monthly payment of one million naira, with the apparent intention of undermining Governor Hyacinth Alia's authority. This insidious plan hinges on coercing the Governor to surrender governance control to him.
We gathered on good authority that the delay in appointment of heads of some very sensitive agencies, boards of agencies and parastatals is as a result of Sen. Akume's usual pressure and suspicious demands for specific or choice positions for his cronies, especially, extended family members.
These demands, as far as running of government is concerned, have significantly contributed to tensions and disruptions within the administration.
Furthermore, there are indications that Sen. Akume may have played a role in the removal of certain advisers, initially sworn in but later not assigned portfolios, further complicating the administrative landscape.
Recent reports have raised serious concerns regarding Sen. George Akume's potential support for the PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, in legal proceedings against the current Governor, Hyacinth Alia, at the highest court. The conditions and demands attributed to Sen. Akume in return for his support have prompted questions about his priorities and the way he wields his influence.
We pity Gov. Alia who is presently experiencing serious leadership internal heat but keeps pretending to the public that all is well.
Today, there are clear indications that the judiciary has been properly infiltrated by forces bent on frustrating development in the state.
The number of garnishee orders quickly procured by litigants in the very early days of the administration without the knowledge of the Governor is a clear pointer that the Judiciary is looking the other way to help the enemies of the state.
Furthermore, it is disconcerting to observe that while in other All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states, including Lagos State, where the President hails from, the State Governors are acknowledged as leaders of the party. In contrast, Benue State appears to be experiencing discord, with Senator George Akume allegedly asserting himself.
We are deranged that in nearly seventeen (17) years after Akume's Government House exit, he seldom made sacrifices for the state, always prioritizing his interests over the welfare of our institutions and the people. Sen Akume's manipulations have swerved the citizens towards the edge of the precipice where the feeble-minded and the less fortunate often unwittingly support policies that further oppress them, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that benefits him. Here, the poor bear the burdens of his interest, a grave injustice in itself.
We are in the doldrums where young graduates do not deserve jobs in the state civil service of their state; twice under his watch, they have been massively relieved of appointments without him raising a voice in defense of the vulnerable youths. We have witnessed in the recent past how Sen. George Akume described civil servants in despicable terms for demanding their wages. The videos are all over the social media platforms for even people with stunted memories to verify the veracity or otherwise of our lamentations. Patriotism seems to have eluded him, leaving us all disheartened.
At a time when the safety and well-being of Benue state's residents is threatened by marauding terrorists and their plight should take precedence, we find it disquieting that political maneuvering seems to overshadow addressing the urgent issues at hand. We urge Sen. George Akume to prioritize the safety and security of the people of Benue if he chooses to intervene in these matters and refrain from actions that could potentially disrupt the state's governance.
For too long we shall continue having one man deprive Benue of its most desired pace of development; he ran himself for eight years and made choices for us two consecutive times to our most amazing dismay. He brought Gabriel Suswam and fought him, same with Samuel Ortom; all to our greatest disadvantage and at all times for his pecuniary benefits. We can't accept this for three consecutive times.
In this context, we wish to commend the Zone A People's Assembly (ZAPA) and the Benue Patriot for their courageous efforts in bringing to light Senator Akume's encroachment on state governance. They have exhibited remarkable patriotism despite insults and threats from those who oppose their noble cause.
BAGG firmly reminds Governor Hyacinth Alia of the mandate entrusted to him and the corresponding responsibility associated with his office. We implore him to exhibit strong and independent leadership, resisting any enticement to cede his duties to external forces. The people of Benue State will not tolerate any deviation from this path, as we have seen in the past.
Governor Alia must learn from the experiences of past leaders who were led astray by Senator Akume who later in the lives of their administrations abandoned them, pitching them against the people. Upholding accountability and transparency in governance is essential for the benefit of the citizens of Benue State. As the saying goes, "He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon," we expect Governor Hyacinth Alia to exercise discernment when entrusting leadership positions in the state and to maintain a prudent distance from long-time adversaries of Benue's development.
Additionally, we call upon Senator George Akume to focus on his role as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and abstain from interfering in the internal affairs of Benue State to the extent of undermining the authority of the governor. We firmly believe that Benue should be a shared resource for all its citizens, and no individual or family should monopolize its opportunities.
Now that Sen. George Akume has found himself among the opportune few who decide the fate of Nigerians and the only Tiv man ever to be elevated to this height, we earnestly call upon him to embark on a path of genuine sacrifice for the betterment of our beloved state and its citizens.
It is time to prioritize the collective well-being above personal interests and ambitions.
In recognition of the unwavering resilience displayed by the majority who endure these hardships, we implore Sen George Akume to jettison the idea of another fight with a third governor in succession and rather use his exalted office to influence developmental projects to the state to complement what Governor Hyacinth Alia may have to offer. Let him and Governor Hyacinth Alia strive for a brighter future, one where the suffering of our people is finally alleviated.
In conclusion, we appeal to all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and progress of Benue State. A unified and responsible approach to governance is the cornerstone of a prosperous Benue State built on the principles of good governance.
It is high time Governor Hyacinth Alia came out of the cocoon to open up on the monster being a clog in the wheels of his smooth takeoff. It is better to be defended by the people who gave you a mandate than to seek a shield under the umbrella of one man.
As the saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine." We urge timely and astute actions to address the current challenges for the greater good of Benue State.
Thank you.
Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe
Convener,
Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG)
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