The Coalition for Civil Society Organisation for Justice and Equity (CCSO-JE) has on Wednesday in Abuja issued a Press Release accusing the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of being the architect of the political crisis rocking the State in recent time.
In a text signed by the National Convener, Comr. Olayemi Success, the group blamed the Governor for high-handedness and political immaturity in managing affairs in Benue. The Organisation cited the case of removal of the State Party Chairman, Austin Agada, and replacement by a mere pronouncement of the Governor, against the Constitution of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as both undemocratic and provocative.
“it is surprising that a clergyman of the pedigree of Rev. Fr. Alia would condescend so low as purportedly supporting thuggery and violence, and handling governance in the way he is going. For the removal of an elected State Chairman of a Party to be sponsored by the Governor in such a callous manner is worrisome.” The text read in part.
“There has been serious outcries by our members from across the country, especially from Benue State, calling for the Civil Society intervention before the situation in Benue explodes into a full blown national crisis and emergencies, considering recent killings in the State that has affected both indigenes and non-indigenes as well, while drastically disrupting economic activities, even victimizing travellers along Federal Roads within the State. The political crisis now orchestrated by the actions and inactions of Gov. Alia has further heightened tension in the State and promoting armed banditry and thuggery”. The text Continued.
“Benue rightfully prides as Food Basket of the Nation. However, today lives in shadow of itself as a result of endless violence, thereby affecting farming activities and production of essential food commodities to other parts of the country. The nation is in critical shape and cannot afford further reduction in National Productivity. Hence, our determination to raise our organisational voice against the Administration of Gov. Alia for plunging Benue into this crisis through undemocratic decisions and dictatorial tendencies”. The text further read.
The group went on to accuse the Governor of flaunting and disobeying court order and disregarding the Rule of Law, stating the instances of Order by an Industrial Court stopping the dissolution of duly elected Local Government Chairmen whose tenures had not expired, and that of another court faulting the unconstitutional removal of the APC Chairman of Benue State, Austin Agada.
“This tendencies of discountenancing rulings of the Court is a very bad omen, especially for a Governor that is less than a year in office. Our organisation has read and received all manners of allegation of financial misconducts levelled against the Governor on several media outlets and petitions even to the EFCC involving Billions of Naira and contract frauds, which is unbecoming for a clergyman. We wish not to even delve into moral accusations as those are personal lifestyle that is between him and God Almighty. However, we cannot fold our hands and watch Benue languishing on daily basis in crisis and violence. Enough is enough for all these”. Continued the Press text from the organisation.
“We hereby call on the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the National Assembly to look into Benue as a matter of urgent national importance, and call Gov. Alia to order before it is too late. We equally issue a 7-day ultimatum to Gov. Alia to put his house in order and end the crisis in Benue and restore peace and unity in the State, else we shall mobilize a massive nationwide action calling for a State of Emergency in Benue, so that a competent Administrator be appointed to take charge of the situation”. The text concluded.
The organisation said it had at its disposal both verified and yet to be verified information on Administrative misconducts and anti-party activities of the Governor that are contributing to the escalation of crisis in the State.