From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The member, House of Representatives for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor has allegedly initiated a one billion Naira law suit against Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia over the seizure of palliatives meant for his constituency.
Ugbor, who spoke with newsmen through a WhatsApp chat, said he is suing the Alia-led Benue government for defamation of character, and is requesting for N1bn as compensation, which he intends to use in building a housing estate for displaced people in Kwande.
He noted while attending the United Nations General Assembly in the USA, he learned that the governor had confiscated and handed over a truck load of relief materials to anti graft agencies which he secured for his constituents from the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) for investigation by operatives of EFCC and ICPC.
His words: “While in the USA for the United Nations General Assembly at the invitation of the Presidency, I have learned that NEMA has approved additional palliatives for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in response to my requests for more assistance.”
It could be recalled that the lawmaker and the Governor have been engaged in word of attrition over two (2) trucks of palliatives the lawmaker allegedly secured from the NEMA for distribution to displaced persons in his constituency.
But, the Governor has claimed that the materials were meant for the state and diverted by federal lawmaker, alleging that it was kept in a private residence in Makurdi.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula says the “truck was caught offloading relief materials meant for IDPs of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency at a private residence in Makurdi”.
According to Tersoo Kula, “It was later discovered that the goods were released from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, and were supposed to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency.”
It added that Governor Alia, who ordered the impounding of the truck at Government House as expressing dissatisfaction with the findings and directed anti-graft agencies to carryout further investigation, even as he called on relevant officials to ensure that the materials were distributed to the rightful recipients.
However, in a swift reaction, Ugbor denied the accusations, claiming that the governor’s actions were unnecessary and politically motivated.
“I have decided to defend my reputation and ensure that the palliatives get to those in need. Despite the challenges, I encourage my constituents to stay strong and peaceful.
“In light of this development, I have instructed my legal team to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard my reputation and set the record straight in court.
“My support for the transportation, storage, and distribution of palliatives to displaced individuals in Kwande is not a new endeavor, yet it has seemingly provoked the governor’s displeasure”.
“My duty is to help secure benefits for my constituents. In other states my efforts would have been acknowledged with gratitude
“The current climate crisis championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Benue State is “unusual”. The claim that SEMA was not informed was premature because the seizure of the palliatives occurred upon their arrival in the state before any unloading, raising suspicions of political motives behind the ordeal.
“Accusations that the palliatives were unloaded at a private residence are unfounded, as the truck was parked in front of a well-known warehouse in Makurdi, not in a clandestine location”, Ugbor explained.
He therefore urged the people of Kwande /Ushongo to remain resilient and peaceful during these difficult times, remembering the words of Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
