A brewing storm in Benue State’s political landscape has come to a head, with the Benue State National Assembly Caucus accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia of rebuffing President Bola Tinubu’s peace initiatives aimed at reconciling him with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The Caucus, comprising federal lawmakers from Benue State, on Thursday, alleged that Governor Alia has consistently disregarded efforts to resolve the lingering feud between him and the SGF, which has divided the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter.
However, Governor Alia’s media aide, Solomon Iorpev, countered the accusations, challenging the federal lawmakers to produce evidence of the governor’s invitation to the peace parley. Iorpev asserted that the governor had not received such an invitation.
The spat between Governor Alia and the SGF has created a crisis within the Benue State APC, with the party split along their supporters’ lines. Despite interventions by the paramount ruler, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and other stakeholders, the rift remains unresolved.
Recently, the national leadership of the APC disbanded the party’s executive council in Benue and inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Benue National Assembly and Federal Appointees Caucus, Philip Agbese, expressed concern over Governor Alia’s alleged refusal to embrace the peace initiative proposed by President Tinubu.
Agbese stated, “The Benue National Assembly caucus is not surprised. It is his (Alia’s) nature and character to disrespect highly placed individuals and authorities. It is a clog in the wheel of progress for anyone, not to mention the governor himself, to undermine the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring peace returns to the party in Benue.”
Agbese further alleged that Governor Alia’s actions demonstrated a desire to “destroy the APC in Benue State for his narrow interests.”
Defending Governor Alia, his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategy, Iorpev, challenged Agbese to provide the invitation extended to the governor for the peace parley.
Iorpev questioned, “Can the National Assembly caucus provide the invitation extended to His Excellency? The governor has never taken the party for granted; he always honors all agreements with the party. He doesn’t have time for grudges; he is busy doing his work. Yet, the National Assembly caucus is always bringing issues to distract him. Why can’t they allow the governor to focus? Why is the SGF not complaining? Why are they complaining on his behalf?”
When asked about the relationship between the SGF and Governor Alia since the intervention by the Tor Tiv and others, Iorpev confirmed that the two leaders are on good terms, stating, “I know they are on talking terms and hug each other whenever they meet.”
Iorpev advised the National Assembly caucus to focus on their responsibilities and stop distracting the governor.
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