By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue All Progressives Congress,APC National Assembly Caucus has rubbished claims that there are two (2) factions of the ruling party in the state.
They made this clarification in a statement signed by Hon Philip Agbese, the joint spokesman of the NASS members and federal appointees from the state.
Agbese described those making such insinuations are “desperate comedians, maintaining that it is only in Benue that some deluded characters who thrive in hero-worshipping individuals as demi-gods want to turn logic on its head.
The lawmakers, therefore, posited that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, remains the leader of the party in Benue as far as the APC’s doctrine and philosophy are concerned.
They reckoned that as long as the party’s constitution and National Working Committee, NWC are concerned, Comrade Austin Agada is still the state chairman.
Agbese cited Borno, Ogun, Kebbi, and other states where Senator Kashim Shettima, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Atiku Bagudu are still recognised as leaders of the party.
“Even before Shettima became the Vice President of the country, he was regarded as the leader of APC in Borno State,” the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Reps added.
“What did he do for Zulum that Senator Akume didn’t do to make Rev (Fr) Hyacinth Alia the Governor of our state?” the statement queried.
Agbese also wondered why Governor Alia who has barely spent one year in office wants to be equated with a man who has been governor for eight years, Senator for 12 years, Minister for four years and currently the SGF.
“We are true party men and doing things the unique way in line with the party’s doctrine of command, and that’s why members of the National Assembly Caucus are highly respected in our constituencies.
“We have not told anyone in our domains that we are the leaders of the party. For example, how do I address myself as the leader of the party in my federal constituency with Senator Ameh Ebute, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and Chief John Ochoga all from my place?”
He, however, admonished the true APC members to see those parading themselves as the new leaders of the party as mere comedians who are just entertaining the Benue public.
