Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a communique issued after their meeting on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmen in Benue State raised serious concerns about the working relationship between Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the party.
Truth Live News gathered that the Forum highlighted issues such as the governor’s inaccessibility, failure to consult party leaders in key appointments, and the controversial constitution of local government caretaker committees. The governor allegedly deviated from the party stakeholders’ nominations, including individuals from opposing parties who hadn’t supported the APC.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Forum declared that the governor’s actions are not in line with the decisions of party stakeholders and accused him of undermining grassroots politicians who contributed to the party’s success.
The communique expressed support for the APC leadership at the state and national levels, distancing itself from the governor’s decisions. It emphasized the importance of respecting party structures and criticized the governor’s unilateral approach, describing it as “tantamount to anti-party activity and ingratitude.”
In response to these concerns, the Forum resolved to disassociate itself from state and local government functions unless the issues are addressed by the governor. Additionally, they announced plans for a peaceful protest at key offices, including the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, Government House in Makurdi, the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.
The communique expressed gratitude for the support of the party’s leadership at the state and national levels, acknowledging the resilience of party faithful in the state. The Forum also thanked its members for attending the meeting in unity.
The attached list of names and signatories indicated unanimous consent among the members present. The Forum cc’d the Governor of Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada (APC State Chairman), the National Vice Chairman of North Central APC, Sen. Dr. George Akume (Leader of the Party in the State and North Central Geo-political zone), and the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
The situation raises concerns about internal party dynamics and the potential impact on the APC’s future in Benue State.