By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has said there was no cause to call for a state of emergency in the North-Central State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (COS) to the Governor, Tersoo Kula on Monday, March 24, disclosed that the governor was in charge and in full control of the state even as there was no unrest to warrant the declaration of state of emergency.
The statement added: “The call for a state of emergency in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism.
“It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions desperate and eager to capitalize on any situation for their advantage.
“Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Governor Alia’s leadership. There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.”
According to the statement, the governor also warned wholesalers of crisis to steer clear of the State, noting that the people of Benue were not persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers but were witnessing transformational governance that prioritizes their welfare and well-being.
“Governor Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and ensuring that the government works for the people,” it stated.
The spokesman strongly refuted what he described as the groundless claims generated by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) about Gov. Alia’s alleged involvement in buying off members of the judiciary.
“This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and governance.
“If the CJI and their allies have any evidence to bolster their outrageous claims, we challenge them to produce it publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations. Disseminating such concoctions without substantiation merely affirms the true nature of those involved individuals who are enthusiastic to pollute the reputation of respected institutions for personal benefit. Governor Alia has consistently held the judiciary in tremendous regard and would never negotiate its integrity for any reason,” the CPS said.
Kula explained that the residents of Benue were happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state, adding that “governor Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
He appealed to those involved in the smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process as, according to him, the people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress.
