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Benue Insecurity: Governor Alia lacks competence, political will to tackle criminals – CSO alleges
National League For the Defense of Democracy and Accountability has called on the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia to purge himself of baseless allegations and unnecessary blame game over the continued killings of innocent people in Benue state and address the situation headlong.
It further said the Governor’s continuous shades and bulk passing are clear Indications of incompetence, ineffectiveness and lack of political will to deal with the incessant attacks witnessed in Sankara, Gwer West and other parts of the state.
The Civil society organisation particularly expressed disappointment at comments credited to the Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia for consistently shifting the blame on “Abuja based politicians ” rather than collaborating with the federal government to flush out miscreants and prosecute those instigating the mayhem.
The NGO through its National President Professor John Katung accused the Governor of playing the ostrich, cheap blackmail and attempts to play politics with the lives of the people and provide more incentives to the attackers.
It also accused the Governor of alleged refusal to honour an agreement to offer amnesty to the bandits which is escalating the insecurity in the state.
It said ” situation is a conspiracy against the harmless people , we have watched videos where this same Governor promised them amnesty and where the bandits have claimed the promised is not been kept, So the Governor needs to come clean”.
The CSO expressed concerns that the Governor could not exercise patience for the release of the report of a panel of inquiry he set up, stressing that his comments will predetermine and teleguide the panel.
The organisation pointed out that the Benue killings which has contributed to the food insecurity across Nigeria can be tackled with a high sense of commitment and not playing to the gallery.
The organisation called on the state Government to approach the federal government for assistance to curb the raising insecurity in the state especially the daily attacks on Katsina-Ala and Ukum and some parts of Apa/Agatu local Government Area, rather than making sweeping allegations that can’t be substantiated while the people are gunned down and butchered senselessly .
While commending efforts by the Senator representing Benue North East in the 10th Senate, Emmanuel Udende for first bringing the attention of the world to this on-going carnage through motions and sponsorship of bills that seek to address the entire insecurity, terrorism and other vices ; the organisation challenged the state Governor to publish names of sponsors of the killings for Nigerians and the Benue people to see or shut up.
Describing as irresponsible, it expressed shock that the Governor has chosen the most gullible path that will not restore peace in the troubled areas.
The group expressed concerns that no Nation or society makes any meaningful progress in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity. It urged the state Governor to work closely with members of the National Assembly and other critical stakeholders to ending the killing, adding that leadership entails critical thinking and not accusations that have no basis and do not address a problem.
“We have being following the unfolding killings in Benue state, particularly the comments from the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia and we feel the Governor ought to be more circumspect and measured in his utterances.
“It is our considered opinion that the solution to this new wave of killings in Benue state has contributed to the food crisis in Nigeria. The needless and senseless killing of innocent people is simply unacceptable and we call on the Governor to step up actions, collaborate with the federal government, stakeholders including Members of the National and state Assembly, traditional institutions, the youths and find a lasting solution rather than throwing shades and going on wild accusations while the lives of the people are being wasted on a daily basis.
“We condemn the lost of lives in any part of Nigeria and we are alarmed that politicians at the level of a governor will chose to play politics with the lives of his people. What is the solution in telling the people that sponsors of what befalls them are Abuja politicians, why can’t you name them and prosecute them according to the laws of the land. Why create an undue tension.
“We must commend the senator representing one of the troubled zones, Senator Emmanuel Udende for his efforts so far but what about other lawmakers from the zones affected. Why are they not speaking up?
“This is time to end this killings, and it baffles us that the same zone where the Governor hails from will become a killing field and all the Governor as chief security officer of the state will be more interested in passing the bulk.
“Benue state with three senators, Secretary to the Government of the Federation,handful of appointments into Agencies of the Federal Government should come together and end this carnage . This is not the time to make a causations that cannot be substantiated .
“We call on the Federal government to pay attention to what is coming out of Benue State in terms of this killings and device a means of ending this blood bath.
“The statement co-signed by the secretary of the organisation Dr Ahmad Kassim expressed concerns that the situation in Sankara , Ukum , Katsina and Agatu in zone C should not be treated with levity.
The statement cautioned that , ” Benue is very essential in the North Central region, some parts of North East , south South and South East.
“Benue bothers Nasarawa in the North Central ,Taraba in the North East , Cross River in the South South and Enugu state in the South East ,so we cant afford to allow to remain a killer-field . The state Government must find solutions to this ugly situation and must liaise with stakeholders to end the killings.
“Once again we commend the Benue North East senator, Emmanuel Udende for his efforts . But he can’t do it alone , he needs the support of his state Government . It is our expectation that the state Governor will heed this call, set aside political differences because he cannot govern the dead”.
“We want to state without equivocation that the Governor lacks capacity and the right temperament to lead and should either resign or take his duties as chief security officer of the state more seriously by ending this attacks.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has commended his principal for assenting to South West and South – South Development Commissions Bills as well as the Nigeria Anti – Doping Bill 2025.
Senator Lado who made the commendation in a personally signed statement, described presidential assets to the bills as monumental milestone and testament to visionary leadership and national progress.
The statement reads: “I extend my warmest congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for yet another historic achievement his decisive and visionary assent to the South-West Development Commission Bill, the South-South Development Commission Bill, and the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025.
“These landmark legislations are a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s relentless commitment to inclusive governance, equitable progress, and Nigeria’s emergence as a global powerhouse.
“His Excellency has once again demonstrated that leadership is not merely about policies—it is about impact, legacy, and a deep-rooted dedication to uplifting every citizen.
“By signing into law the establishment of the South-West and South-South Development Commissions, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his role as a transformational leader who prioritizes regional empowerment, economic expansion, and infrastructural excellence.
Building on the foundation of his earlier assent to the South-East and North -West Development Commissions, it is evident that President Tinubu is deliberate in bringing development across all regions.
“These commissions will serve as catalysts for industrial growth, job creation, and social advancement—ensuring that every corner of Nigeria benefits from his administration’s progressive vision. This is the mark of a true statesman—one who understands that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to uplift all regions without bias.
“In the same vein, the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025 is yet another bold step that solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, excellence, and integrity in global sports.
“President Tinubu has once again positioned Nigeria as a nation of high ethical standards, ensuring that our athletes compete on the world stage with honor and credibility. By domesticating the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports, his administration has safeguarded the future of Nigerian sports, protecting our athletes from unfair practices while reinforcing our global reputation as a country that upholds integrity.
“This momentous occasion underscores President Tinubu’s unmatched leadership—one that is proactive, decisive, and deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
His ability to enact groundbreaking policies that foster unity, drive economic prosperity, and elevate our international standing speaks volumes of his unwavering dedication to national transformation”.
News
BREAKING: Key contact details missing in petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has acknowledged receiving a petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District but noted that key contact details of the petitioners were missing.
In a press release signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission stated that the petition was submitted with six bags of documents containing signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district.
However, the covering letter only provided a general location, “Okene, Kogi State,” without a specific address or multiple contact numbers as required by INEC’s regulations.
INEC emphasized that the recall process is guided by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.
The commission assured that once the petition meets all requirements, it will proceed with verifying the signatures using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in an open process involving petitioners, observers, and the media.
INEC is currently making efforts to reach the petitioners through other means and urged the public to disregard speculation on social media regarding the recall process.
News
Natasha’s case to be assigned to another Judge as Egwuatu recuse himself, citing Akpabio’s petition
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has recused himself from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case citing a petition by lawyers to Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The case bothered on suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udughan from the Senate for six months, but a dramatic twist to it Justice Egwuatu who is presiding over the matter on Tuesday recused himself and ordered that the cas file be sent to the Chief Justice for reassignment.
The trial judge based his decision on a petition the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, wrote to challenge his objectivity in the matter.
Though the suit was originally fixed for hearing, however, when the matter was called up by the court’s clerk, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision in a short ruling he delivered.
He said the case-file would be returned to the Chief Judge for a reassignment to another judge.
It will be recalled that Justice Egwuatu had on March 4, issued an interim order that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceeding that was initiated against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over an allegation that she flouted rules of the legislative house.
He held that the disciplinary process should be placed on hold, pending the determination of the suit that was brought before him by the embattled female lawmaker.
More so, Justice Egwuatu gave defendants in the matter, 72 hours to show cause why it should not issue an order of interlocutory injunction to stop them from probing the plaintiff for alleged misconduct, without affording her the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
He granted permission for the plaintiff to serve the Originating Summons and all the accompanying processes on all the defendants, through substituted means.
It held that they should be served by handing the processes to the Clerk of the National Assembly or by pasting them on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing same in two national dailies.
The interim orders followed an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency that was brought before the court by the lawmaker.
However, despite the orders of the court, the Senate Committee held its sitting and slammed the plaintiff with a six months suspension.
Following an application by the defendants, Justice Egwuatu subsequently amended the interim order he issued in favour of the plaintiff, by vacating the aspect that barred the Senate from undertaking any activity within the pendency of the suit.
The Senate President had through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, queried the powers of the court to meddle in the affairs of the Senate.
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