APC Lawmakers Accuse Benue Governor of Autocratic Rule, Seek Tinubu’s Intervention

The National Assembly caucus from Benue State, affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has launched scathing criticisms against Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of running the state like a personal fiefdom.

The lawmakers raised their concerns during a press briefing in Abuja, urging President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further damage to the party’s prospects in the state.

Senator Titus Zam, the leader of the caucus, highlighted Governor Alia’s autocratic tendencies, citing instances where the governor allegedly undermined the APC’s influence in the state.

The lawmakers lamented that despite efforts to address the situation through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the governor’s behavior remained unchanged.

The lawmakers detailed several instances of what they described as Governor Alia’s dictatorial actions, including the controversial election of the Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly and the appointment of key political officers, which they claimed favored the governor’s personal interests over the party’s.

Hon. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, also accused Governor Alia of nepotism, alleging that the governor had appointed over 30 key political officers from his immediate clan in Vandeikya LGA, neglecting the interests of the Idoma-speaking people from Benue South.

The lawmakers expressed concerns that Governor Alia’s leadership style could erode the APC’s support base in Benue State and called for urgent intervention to safeguard the party’s future electoral prospects.

They emphasized the need for democratic governance and inclusivity in decision-making, warning that failure to address these issues could lead to further disenchantment among party members.

The accusations leveled by the APC lawmakers against Governor Alia underscore growing tensions within the party in Benue State, raising questions about the governor’s leadership style and its implications for the APC’s political fortunes in the region.