Amidst the political crisis in Benue State, a group, NEPAD Youth for Democracy, has urged Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to reinstate the suspended All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman, Comr. Austin Agada.
Recalling that the State High Court sitting in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue, has reinstated the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Austin Agada.
In the case brought before the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the court on Monday gave the order while ruling on a motion seeking to set aside the interim order restraining Agada from parading himself as Chairman of the APC in Benue State.
Addressing the press in Abuja on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Group, Oscar David Kalu, said the group has been following what he described as the ugly and avoidable crisis in Benue with keen interest.
“We are beginning to doubt the competence and capacity of the Governor to satisfactorily manage the political interests and affairs of the State, which require remarkable skills and tact,” he continued.
“How can a democrat and clergy leader completely place a ban on political activities in a state and promote primitive and divisive agendas within a Party that he rode onto power?”
He said Gov. Alia was guilty of inciting the political crisis that is now further fuelling violence across Benue.
According to him, the unwarranted and unconstitutional removal of one of the youngest and vibrant Party Chairmen in Nigeria today, in person of Comr. Austin Agada, was a major contributor to the crisis in the State.
“As a youth-serving organization, we firmly stand by our own and outrightly condemn that action by the governor in its totality and urgently demand the immediate remediation of the Chairmanship of APC in Benue to the rightful occupant, else we shall mobilize a national protest at the State House Abuja and National Assembly to demand restoration of constitutional order and peace in Benue State.”
The group threatened a 72-hour ultimatum to Gov. Alia to retract all actions that have led to the crisis, pointing out the chairmanship tussle and dictatorial attitude, with gross disregard of laid down conventions, traditions, and relevant laws as the crux of the matter, and not the accusing fingers being pointed at Sen. Akume by the Governor.
“Benue is sinking daily and suffocating in violence and crisis under Gov. Alia, and the Governor is busy chasing rats while his house is on fire. We are aware of the rising discontent across the country over the situation in the State, and the increasing opinion for a call for State of Emergency in Benue.
“The hundreds of thousands of our membership will be forced to join this call and national mass action within the next three days if we do not see positive and remedial actions by Gov. Alia. This is no longer about Benue alone, but now a matter of national emergency.” Oscar said
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