By Peter Oriri
The Benue State Caucus of the National Assembly has issued a scathing statement against Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of making false allegations, shirking responsibility on security matters, and exhibiting a pattern of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.
The lawmakers in a press briefing at the National Assembly expressed deep concern over the Governor’s recent comments, which they described as “irresponsible” and “uncharitable,” particularly in the wake of ongoing violence and insecurity in various parts of Benue State. The statement was signed by members of the National Assembly from the state, including Senators and House of Representatives members.
According to the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Patrick Moro who read out the press text on behalf of the caucus, noted that Governor Alia has continued to downplay the severity of the security situation in Benue, despite numerous incidents of killings, displacement, and destruction of property allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen. They cited examples such as the violence in Bonta, Konshisha Local Government Area, and Ukpute in Oju LGA, which the Governor reportedly referred to as mere “skirmishes.”
The lawmakers further criticized the Governor for previously describing them as “bokoti” – a derogatory term meaning “useless people” – after they raised concerns in the Senate about the deteriorating security situation in the state. The Caucus said Governor Alia has not only failed to confront the crisis head-on but has also refused to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, a key legislative measure aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict.
They also rebuked the Governor for making what they called “baseless” accusations during a national television appearance, where he allegedly accused members of the Benue National Assembly Caucus of sponsoring the violence in the state.
“No Governor in the history of Benue State has spoken from both sides of his mouth as much as Alia, especially on issues concerning the lives and property of the Benue people,” the statement read. “In one breath, he calls the attackers land grabbers, and in another, he defends them as foreigners protected by ECOWAS protocols.”
The Caucus members vehemently denied any involvement in the violence and called on the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into the Governor’s allegations. They also demanded a public apology and retraction from Governor Alia.
The statement added that while National Assembly members frequently return to their constituencies to mourn with bereaved families and provide support, the Governor has allegedly remained detached, choosing instead to condemn peaceful protests by youth and shield non-state actors.
“In Borno and Plateau, governors stand with their people and call on the Federal Government for help. In Benue, we have a Governor more interested in shifting blame and undermining his own people,” the Caucus lamented.
In conclusion, the lawmakers issued three key demands:
A public apology and retraction from Governor Alia.
An urgent investigation by the Inspector General of Police into the Governor’s allegations.
A call on the Governor to focus on governance, end political intimidation, and cease associating with non-state actors.
The rift between the state’s executive and its federal legislators marks a deepening political crisis in Benue, even as the state continues to grapple with chronic insecurity and displacement of thousands of residents.
