Benue State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia and Senator representing Zone B Senatorial District, Titus Zam on Thursday engaged one another in war of words in the presence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former governor of Benue State, George Akume.
Father Alia visited the residence of Akume only to have met the lawmaker already in deep discussion with the SGF and asked the Senator to excuse himself so that he could have a discussion with Akume, but the lawmaker became angry and took on Alia instantly.
Sources close to the fisticuff between top politicians explained that Senator Zam furiously called the Governor unprintable names, suggesting that the governor walked himself into trouble unknowingly.
The verbal exchange in the presence of George Akume degenerated to an extent that Dr Titus Zam threatened to beat up the Catholic Clergy turned politician without the governor having opportunity to explain the mission that brought him to SGF’s residence.
In the course of the altercation, Zam warned the governor never to speak to him in such a manner, stressing that he is not above him in the political hierarchy of Benue state. What would have resulted in a big punch on Alia’s face by a visibly angry Zam was averted by Senator Akume.
He further challenged the governor to explain reasons he has abandoned those that worked for him to become governor of Benue State.
Though, the governor didn’t have opportunity to explain his mission to the SGF’s residence, a source said, he came there to seek Akume’s permission that he would be absent from his 70th birthday’s Colloquium which was organized in honour of the former governor due to other important engagement.
It took the intervention of SGF to calm tempers and seized the opportunity to preach peace and love in the interest of Benue people.
Immediately, Alia left the residence. The Zone B senator threatened that he would use all his power to ensure that the governor is removed from office soon. Titus Zam had last week led the Benue State National Assembly Caucus to a press conference where Governor Alia was berated and accused of not having any developmental projects to his credit since he became governor.
