In a recent turn of events, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has vehemently dismissed allegations leveled against him by the three Zonal Vice Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, labeling them as baseless and part of a calculated attempt to blackmail him.
The Zonal Vice Chairmen had accused Governor Alia of humiliating the party, alienating its leaders and stakeholders, and fostering discontent within the ranks. However, responding to these claims, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, issued a statement on the governor’s verified social media page.
Kula stated, “Despite our aversion to straightforwardly label these assertions, we find no more fitting euphemisms than to characterize them as an amalgamation of fabrications or groundless allegations directed and aimed at blackmailing the leader of the party in the state, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.”
The statement addressed specific allegations, such as the purported exclusion of opposition members in the appointment of caretaker chairmen. Kula challenged the accusers to provide evidence for their claims, asserting that the accusations were mere products of imagination.
Governor Alia’s spokesperson also debunked claims of party dissatisfaction surrounding the announcement of caretaker chairmen, emphasizing the governor’s prerogative to scrutinize suggested names.
The statement further questioned the credibility of allegations that Governor Alia favored individuals outside the APC who allegedly worked against him during elections, dismissing such claims as unfounded and driven by petty resentments.
The Zonal Vice Chairmen’s suspicion regarding a meeting attended by notable party figures, including Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Sen. Ameh Ebute, Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd), and others, was labeled as misguided. The presence of Dr. Chile Igbawua, a non-APC member, was explained as an unsubstantiated attempt to link Governor Alia with the opposition.
Accusations of the formation and funding of a committee with the mandate to spread falsehoods against the party and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) were dismissed as desperate fabrications. The statement emphasized the impeccable reputation of those targeted in the accusations.
In response to claims that Governor Alia had not made financial contributions to the party, Kula demanded scrutiny of the party’s financial records. The statement concluded by highlighting Governor Alia’s commitment to the unity and development of Benue State, emphasizing his continued funding of party activities and stakeholder meetings as evidence of his dedication to the APC.
