Benue: Coalition gives Alia 7-day ultimatum to address political crisis in APC

The Coalition for Civil Society Organisations for Justice and Equity (CCSO-JE) has given Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a 7-day ultimatum to address the political crisis rocking the state or be ready to face mass action.

The coalition also calls on the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Assembly to look into Benue as a matter of urgent national importance.

The National Convener, Comr. Olayemi Success, in a statement, blames the governor for high-handedness and political immaturity in managing affairs in Benue.

He urges President Tinubu and the National Assembly to call Gov. Alia to order before it is too late.

“We equally issue a 7-day ultimatum to Gov. Alia to put his house in order and end the crisis in Benue, restoring peace and unity in the state, else we shall mobilize a massive nationwide action calling for a State of emergency in Benue, so that a competent administrator be appointed to take charge of the situation.”

The coalition cites the case of the removal of the State party chairman, Austin Agada, and replacement by a mere pronouncement of the Governor, against the constitution of the All Progressive Xongress (APC), as both undemocratic and provocative.

“It is surprising that a clergyman of the pedigree of Rev. Fr. Alia would condescend so low as to purportedly support thuggery and violence, and handle governance in the way he is going.

“For the removal of an elected State Chairman of a Party to be sponsored by the Governor in such a callous manner is worrisome.”

“There have been serious outcries by our members from across the country, especially from Benue State, calling for Civil Society intervention before the situation in Benue explodes into a full-blown national crisis and emergencies, considering recent killings in the state that have affected both indigenes and non-indigenes, while drastically disrupting economic activities, even victimizing travellers along Federal Roads within the state.

“The political crisis now orchestrated by the actions and inactions of Gov. Alia has further heightened tension in the state and promoted armed banditry and thuggery.”

Benue rightfully prides itself as the Food Basket of the Nation. However, today it lives in the shadow of itself as a result of endless violence, thereby affecting farming activities and the production of essential food commodities to other parts of the country.

“The nation is in critical shape and cannot afford further reduction in National Productivity. Hence, our determination to raise our organisational voice against the Administration of Gov. Alia for plunging Benue into this crisis through undemocratic decisions and dictatorial tendencies.”