December 04, (THEWILL) – A group under the aegis of Benue Concerned APC Stakeholders, arising from a closed-door meeting, have disowned the position of the All Progressives Congress Local Government party chairmen and the State Executive Committee over their media attacks on Governor Hyacinth Alia and his administration in recent times.
In a communique issued in Makurdi on Monday, the leader of the group and former president of the Senate, Senator Ameh Ebute, advised Governor Alia to ignore all distractions and continue his focus on developing the State with the diligence so far employed.
“You are by this communiqué requested to desist from further actions and retreat to allow elders and major stakeholders to wade into the matter and seek appropriate answers to all issues,” it said.
Chaired by Senator Barnabas Gemade, General Onoja, retired, Senator Joseph Akaagerger, and Senator Ebute, the group thanked the entire Benue APC family and also assured Governor Alia of its continuous support, passing a vote of confidence in Alia and his team.
“We the concerned stakeholders of APC in Benue State are worried by the recent attacks on the Governor and Government of Benue State, particularly, the content of the communiqué we saw on social media under the hands of the APC LG chairmen, as well as the resolution of the State Working Committee, in respect to leadership, meeting and party activities.
“We see this as a deliberate attempt to distract the Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia-led administration from fulfilling his campaign promises to the people. This unfortunate incident by the APC LG Chairmen has opened a vista for the opposition to take full advantage, culminating in a recent motion sponsored by an opposition (PDP) Senator from Benue against the government of Benue State,” he said.
According to the former Senate president, the APC leaders are not in support of the actions of the Local Government party chairmen and the party executive committee, particularly for their inability to explore all necessary avenues for proper engagements before resorting to unnecessary media outings that have further escalated what would have easily been managed internally by the party.
“We acknowledge and have participated in critical as well as strategic stakeholder meetings to include but not limited to two expanded stakeholders meetings held in the government house, Makurdi and a mini-state congress to herald the Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal victory of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and His Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode at the IBB Square, Makurdi, all at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State,” he said
He said, at several meetings and other fora, elders of the party as well as the executives of the party had cause to pass a vote of confidence on the Governor of Benue State and applauded his inclusive leadership style.
“It is on the basis of these and many more that we the concerned elders have found it necessary to address the public and ask all concerned party members to desist from further public outings and stop any impending action that will further cause disunity in the party,” he stated.
Responding to a question, Senator Gemade charged members of the public to ignore Social Media practitioners who turned to publish falsehoods against personalities.
He marvelled that a Social Media outfit reported that he held a Zoom meeting to lobby Governor Alia to decamp to the opposition PDP in Benue State.
“I can’t blame them because they are looking for food but we should be ignored. Benue APC is intact and the Alia administration is doing well so far,” Gemade said.
