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Tag: Alia

  • Benue: Gov Alia’s kinsman, Waya, petitions Pope over alleged misconduct, threat to church

    Benue: Gov Alia’s kinsman, Waya, petitions Pope over alleged misconduct, threat to church

    A Nigerian Christian, Mr. Joseph Waya has sent a petition to the Vatican, calling for the urgent intervention of Pope Leo XIV over what he describes as the damaging conduct of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State. The petition had raised serious concerns about Alia’s involvement in partisan politics, allegations of corruption, incitement to violence, and his strained relationship with the Church, which had previously played a significant role in his election.

    Mr. Waya, a devout Catholic, and kinsman from the same Alia’s Vandeikya LGA of Benue State, emphasized that his appeal was rooted in moral and religious duty.

    He noted that Alia, who was elected governor on May 29, 2023, was initially trusted by the Christian population of Benue State to provide honest and moral governance, given his background as a priest.

    However, after more than two years in office, the petitioner laments that Alia’s conduct has been disappointing and damaging to the reputation of the Church.

    “The state has descended into despair, and alarmingly, public resentment is beginning to extend beyond the governor to the Church itself,” the petition warns, highlighting the widening discontent among the populace.

    The petition which is copied to the Archdiocese of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama and the four Catholic Bishops in Benue State, stresses that Governor Alia has engaged in unprecedented levels of corruption, with online reports documenting allegations of misappropriation amounting to over ₦345 billion (roughly $225 million) through dubious contracts awarded without proper approval or due process. Despite this massive expenditure, the state reportedly lacks basic amenities, and the economy is in disarray, with roads impassable and public services failing.

    “Despite these enormous expenditures, no meaningful projects have been commissioned, leaving the state with impassable roads and a complete absence of basic amenities. This financial mismanagement created such tension between the governor and the State Assembly that the state was effectively paralysed for weeks, culminating in the forced resignation of the Assembly Speaker”, the petition states.

    In addition to financial mismanagement, the petition accuses Alia of fostering political divisions and institutional conflicts. It stated that he has classes with political mentors, attempted to control party leadership, and created factions that have led to violence and instability.

    The governor’s actions have also resulted in the closure of courts for several months due to disputes over the judiciary, further destabilizing democratic processes in Benue, the petition states.

    Most troubling, according to the petition, is Governor Alia’s open hostility towards the Church itself. Despite Benue State being home to four Catholic dioceses, the governor is said to have maintained frosty relations with bishops and priests, publicly abusing the Bishop of Makurdi during the campaign and systematically excluding the Church from public functions. The petitioner warns that this antagonism has undermined the Church’s moral authority in Nigeria.

    The petition further accuses Alia of inciting violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

    It states that the governor has been touring Benue State, instigating supporters to violence against political opponents, and has formed a group of thugs called “No Alia, No Benue,” which he claims will secure re-election “by whatever means, including diabolical.” Formal petitions have been filed with security agencies over threats of physical assault and intimidation, the petition says.

    The petition further accuses Governor Alia of compromising the security of his own people.

    The petitioner alleges that the governor vowed to repeal the anti-open grazing law that had significantly reduced attacks by Fulani jihadists. Following Alia’s election, the petition says the governor suspended the law, leading to a surge in deadly attacks on Benue people, including the recent massacre in Yelewata where over 200 people were killed.

    The petitioner criticizes Alia’s insensitivity during the President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit, where the governor is said to have celebrated amid the national mourning.

    The petitioner therefore urged the Vatican to take decisive actions to address the situation, warning that Alia’s continued misconduct risks dividing the Church and damaging its reputation in Nigeria.

  • Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Friday denied any involvement in the failed attempt to remove Mr Aondona Dajoh, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.This is contained in a statement issued in Makurdi by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula.

    NAN reports that some members of the House attempted to impeach Speaker Dajoh on Thursday.

    In response, the House, during its plenary on Friday, suspended four members for three months over their roles in the failed impeachment plot.

    According to the statement, Alia reiterated his respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers, affirming that he held the Assembly in high esteem.

    The statement also emphasised that the governor had consistently responded to all communications and resolutions sent to him by the House.

    “This commitment was demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office,” the statement noted.

    Alia reaffirmed his cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and pledged continued support for its legislative duties in the interest of Benue State’s development.

  • Governor’s nominees: Benue Assembly halts screening over unmet demands

    Governor’s nominees: Benue Assembly halts screening over unmet demands

    The Benue State House of Assembly has declined to screen Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s commissioner nominees until the executive complies with its earlier resolutions.

    This decision was taken on Friday in Makurdi immediately after Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh read the governor’s letter presenting his proposed cabinet members.

    Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) said screening nominees was their constitutional duty and they had no objection to it in principle.

    He stressed that members had always supported the governor but insisted unresolved concerns must be addressed before further correspondence from the executive would be considered.

    Supporting this, Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) said the submission of nominees showed the governor recognised their legislative role, meaning they should work in synergy.

    Gabo complained that he had not received his first constituency allowance, thereby denying his constituents some planned projects.

    He added that sittings had yet to begin in the Chamber because renovation works, started by the governor, remained incomplete.

    He also said seven members had not been given official cars.

    Gabo urged colleagues to adjourn sittings sine die, saying the governor should proceed alone if he preferred, but must treat legislators fairly.

    Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) lamented that the situation felt like a “state of nature”, even though they were not.

    He noted that resolutions, such as unfreezing state accounts, had not been implemented despite being passed.

    Manger Manger (APC/Tarka) said they were denied constituency service funds, despite the allocation being included in the budget.

    He called for the correspondence to be stood down, allowing the leadership to keep engaging the executive on their demands, and supported sine die adjournment.

    Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) decried the executive’s nonchalant attitude to resolutions, saying it discouraged ministry and agency heads from honouring invitations.

    He described the lack of official cars for seven members as unacceptable and urged standing down the correspondence.

    Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) opposed sine die adjournment but agreed the screening should wait until the governor complied with resolutions.

    He also condemned alleged insults from social media aides of SUBEB Chair, Dr Grace Adagba, against legislators.

    Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju) urged members to avoid sine die adjournment, noting they must meet the minimum sitting days required per legislative session.

    Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) questioned how they could function effectively when welfare matters were treated as an afterthought.

    He said they had avoided confrontation and given their all, and would continue doing so, but supported standing down executive correspondence.

    Abu Edoh (PDP/Agatu) also opposed shutting down the Assembly.

    William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha) said they were not trying to destroy the state, noting they could have continued sitting on plastic chairs for over two years.

    He said the Assembly was the only one in the country still sitting on plastic chairs.

    Majority Leader Saater Tiseer urged colleagues to remain calm, promising continued engagement with the executive until their goals were achieved.

    Ruling, Speaker Dajoh directed the governor to obey the resolutions and suspend the SUBEB Chair, Otukpo Council Chairman, and Sports Lottery Board Executive Secretary.

    He warned that without meeting demands, including provision of seven vehicles, the Assembly would not honour any further correspondence from the governor.

  • Benue gov, Alia gifts Super Falcon star N50m, three-bedrooms apartment

    Benue gov, Alia gifts Super Falcon star N50m, three-bedrooms apartment

    Benue governor, Hyacinth Alia on Thursday night hosted Benue born international football star, Francesca Ordega and gifted her N50 million and three-bedrooms apartment in Makurdi metropolis.

    Presenting the gifts during the dinner in Makurdi, Alia described Ordega as the greatest sport ambassador the state had produced in recent times.

    Ordega was among the Nigeria team that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted by Morroco.

    NAN reports that the Gboko born international footballer has won the competition for a record five times with the national team.

    Alia also promised to rename a major street after her.

    The governor also gifted N10 million to the coach who nurtured Orderga in Benue to become an international footballer.

    He congratulated her for the outstanding performance she put up during the competition and encouraged talented young girls to emulate her resilience.

    “Today we are singing the nation’s common song of victory with one of us. With the one whom God has chosen and elected to represent us.

    “The one who has been the great ambassador of this state in sports in the last five victories of the WAFCON.

    “She is truly an inspiration to everyone. She is an inspiration to all the young ladies coming up to play. I invite parents to allow your daughters to get into the field.

    “Here is a great shining example of once you allow them, guide them and they are coached tomorrow we shall all go to the national and come back to the state to celebrate them.

    “I want all of us to encourage our young ladies to do sports,”he said

    In her remarks, Ordega expressed gratitude for the support from the state and Nigeria, and called for  stakeholders to collaborate in sports development and infrastructure.

    Ordega also urged the State to support grassroot sports development to harness the next generation of champions in the country.

    “Lets support sports development. Lets us invest in sports infrastructure, training programmes and talent identification initiatives by providing our young athletes with resources they need.

    “We can actually harnessed the next generation of champions and promote education. Education is the foundation of any prosperous society.

    “We can create scholarship programmes for young girls who excel in sports direct by ensuring that they have access to quality education while pursuing their dreams,”she said.

    Ordega further urged Benue youths to embrace peace, and love for one another and support the Governor to succeed.

    Also, Mr Innocent Idibia aka TuFace, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach, commended the Governor for supporting entertainment and sports.

    Idibia also used the opportunity to announced the upcoming Benue wild talent hunt show with N50 million star prize.

    He disclosed that his office was also working hard to organise inter State carnival.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) also presented a special award to Gov. Alia in appreciation of his support for Nigerian football.

  • Alia submits list of 8 commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Alia submits list of 8 commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has submitted the first batch of commissioner-nominees to the State’s House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary, who made this known in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, said that the transmission of the list to the House was in line with constitutional provisions.

    Recall that Alia had sacked all the 17 commissioners and his Chief of staff on Wednesday.

    Kula listed the first batch of commissioner-nominees to include: Theresa Odachi, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, Dr Margaret Adamu, and Dr Peter Oboh.

    Others, he said, are  Dr Timothy Yangien, Mr Denis Iyaighgba, Mr James Dwem and Dr Paul Ogwuche.

    He said that the second batch of nominees would be forwarded to the House of Assembly in a matter of days.

    Kula said the governor was committed to ensuring transparency, competence, and inclusivity in the selection of individuals to drive his administration’s vision and mission for the state.

  • Benue governor, Alia rejects Reps committee invitation

    Benue governor, Alia rejects Reps committee invitation

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.

    His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    NAN reports that the House had summoned the Governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.

    Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.

    He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.

    “Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.

    “They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.

    Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.

    He said, “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”

    Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.

    According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.

    He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.

    In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.

    “These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.

    He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.

    “Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.

    He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.

    “They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.

    He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.

    “Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said.

  • Benue gov, Alia appoints 2Baba as technical adviser

    Benue gov, Alia appoints 2Baba as technical adviser

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.

    Alia announced the appointment at Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday, when he received the music icon who paid him a sympathy visit.

    The governor described 2Baba as a worthy ambassador of the state while also acknowledging his exploits in the global music industry.

    Alia also appreciated 2Baba’s contributions to the vulnerable community through his humanitarian activities.

    He expressed optimism that 2Baba would bring his wealth of experience and global influence to bear on his new appointment.

    “Thank you for following up on the protocol. In our camps we have the support of the international community and there is an international standard. People abuse everything nowadays, and people politicise everything including insecurity for some reasons.

    “So when you want to come and visit the IDPs, it is a very welcome idea, but we need to know who goes in and out of the camps.

    “They have been traumatised enough so we need to protect them. Some members in the open space out there do not understand this. They feel it is an open house you just walk in and out, ” Alia said.

    The governor, who lamented the spate of killings in the state occasioned by the renewed gunmen attacks, called on the federal government and public spirited individual to collaborate with the state in addressing the insecurity.

    “What pains most is that these are unprovoked attacks and the aim of the killers, the bandits, terrorists, murderers is very simple, come kill, conquer and occupy.

    “That is extremely unacceptable by any standard. We are farmers and best at what we do. If you remove farming from us you have already rendered us helpless,” he said.

    Earlier, 2Baba said the visit was to condole with the state government over the killings in the state.

    He expressed readiness to lend his support where necessary and urged well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the governor to overcome the situation.

    Also speaking, Head of Communications, 2Baba Foundation, Enoch Ocheni, said as a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, 2Baba, through his foundation would continue to fight for the rights of the displaced.

    Ocheni said the foundation would also support refugees, provide relief materials and healthcare services for orphanages as well as water and sanitation.

  • Gov. Alia reveals foreigners attacking Benue communities

    Gov. Alia reveals foreigners attacking Benue communities

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has revealed that Benue communities are being attacked by foreigners not Nigerians.

    Alia disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

    He said that the attackers’ Hausa accent is not Nigerian as testified by some indigenes of the state.

    The governor stated that about 40 people were killed during attacks on some communities in the state, saying many people had been displaced.

    Alia said, “Attackers of Benue communities don’t wear Nigerian looks and they don’t speak the normal Hausa we Nigerian speak or the Fulani Nigerians speak.

    “Some of our people who understand what they speak said that they are Malians but they are not Nigerians.

    “Initially our communities were attacked by traditional headers. We have less troubles with them now. We had a number of cases.

    “Now when the terrorists come, traditional herders inform us of their movements. They tell us that certain people are coming into our lands.”

    The governor added that Benue state was under siege, saying the attacks were coordinated.

    “Three dead bodies were recovered from the Katsina-Ala axis of the state, which means that the entire space out there is under siege.

    “We are under siege as a state. We are under attack, and those who are attacking us are land-grabbers. They displace our people.”

    Alia stated that the government is working with community leaders to secure communities, adding that his government is dopting community police to end killing in the state.

  • Gov. Alia confirms 56 bodies recovered after Easter attacks

    Gov. Alia confirms 56 bodies recovered after Easter attacks

    Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue said 56 bodies have been recovered in Ugondo, Logo and Tyuluv, Gbagir in Ukum LGAs following the coordinated attacks on the communities by suspected armed herdsmen.

    Alia disclosed this when he visited Logo and Ukum LGAs on Saturday for an on-the spot assessment of the area after attacks on Friday night.

    Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the Governor confirmed that so far 56 corpses have been recovered in Logo and Ukum after the attacks.

    The governor said there was possibility of the figure increasing in Ukum because  more search is still ongoing.

    He regretted that his people were strategically attacked at the beginning of the farming season to hinder them from farming.

    Alia said urgent action must be taken to address the ugly development.

    “Early hours of today, we understood that more bodies were being picked up in Logo LGA resulting to 27 corpses. So we lost 27 lives in Logo LGA.

    “And then many more were picked up in some axis in Ukum and those for now are 29. Many more are surely expected because as we went there they were asking for some protection to get back to see how they can retrieve some bodies. So the numbers might even go up.

    “So far we are talking about 56 lives lost in just one night. This is quite devastating.

    “The FG is supporting very enormous, the security team have been working seriously non stop. But for this to still happen, something drastic, something strategic has to come to play.

    “How can you explain that two months ago we came to this town and people were quite settled and overnight it is calculated, it is planned, targeted attacks.

    “I’m calling on the FG to support us, to come to our aide and promptly too. We simply need the support and help of the FG immediately.”he said

    Alia further commended the security agencies for their sacrifices to ensure that Benue has peace, adding that there was every need for more reinforcements.

    The Governor sympathised with the families that lost their loved ones as a result of the attacks, and promised to take care of their burial and medical bills of those in the hospital.

    Also, the member, representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo, Prince Solomon Wombo said even though the military were in the constituency for 12 years there were still attacks and killings.

    Wombo lamented the insecurity situation in the area and appealed to the FG to establish a military barrack in the area to protect his constituents from armed herdsmen and bandits.

    “What borders me again is that we have soldiers  in this axis for 12 years and the attacks have not abated at any point in time.”

    Chairman, Logo Local Government Council, Mr Clement Ungwachikar and Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Peter Iorhuna  thanked the Governor for the swift response in coming to identify with them over the attacks.

    The governor was accompanied by the heads of security agencies in the state, including the commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, Operation Whirl Stroke, Home Land Security, Civil Protection Guards among others.

    The affected communities were deserted with armed Police personnel seen patrolling in the LGAs.

    NAN reports that those who fled the areas are now taken refuge in Zaki-Biam and Ugba IDP camps.

  • No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    The Benue State Government says there is no reason for people to call for the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Hyacinth Alia, said this in a statement, on Monday in Makurdi.

    Kula, who was reacting to the press briefing by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI), said that the governor was in total control of the state.

    He said that those calling for a state of emergency were not in touch with the happenings in the state, as there was no reason for such calls.

    The CPS also warned those fanning embers of hate and mischief to steer clear of the state, as Benue people would not be persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers.

    “Furthermore, the call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism.

    “It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions, desperate and eager to capitalise on any situation for their advantage.

    “Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Gov. Alia’s leadership.

    ”There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.” he said.

    Kula refuted the allegations that Gov. Alia was involved in buying off members of the judiciary.

    He challenged the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) to produce their evidence publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.

    “This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor, who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and governance.” Kula said.

    He said the state was witnessing transformational governance that prioritised the people’s welfare and well-being.

    “Gov. Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and insuring that the government works for the people.

    “The inhabitants of Benue are happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state.

    “Gov. Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

    “Finally, we appeal to all forces involved in this smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process.

    “The people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress.” he said.