By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State says it has uncovered a purported scheme by the Benue State government officials to organise protests against President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Daniel Ihomun, the APC claimed that the intended protests aimed to prevent the president from assenting to the recent Senate resolution halting the release of funds to the local government caretaker committees across states.
Ihomun pointed out that the alleged plot had its initial phase with a demand for the resignation of the state’s APC chairman, Austin Agada, without presenting valid reasons.
Expressing concern, Ihomun labelled the plan as a perceived act of sabotage.
The party spokesperson asserted that while peaceful expression is allowed, actions that may embarrass the president and his administration are unacceptable and should be prevented.
The APC called upon the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police to closely monitor the purported protest, warning that while it may appear as a solidarity march, its motives could be sinister.
“The party equally call on the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to monitor the activities of unscrupulous elements around his government who are using his name to perpetrate acts that are capable of plunging the state into anarchy that would necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency.
“We also enjoin security agencies in the state to be on alert to check the activities of this group that seems to undermine the peace of the state and is hellbent on planting divisive tendencies. The general public should please take note of this Nollywood script,” he said.
In another development, tension also ensued in the state as the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has allegedly removed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s portrait from his office.
According to the member who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State at the Federal House of Representatives, the governor is not fit to be a leader. This development comes amid a reported rift between Alia and Akume over political issues in the state.
“Today, I’m removing the portrait of Alia from my office because he’s not fit to be our leader. He has no respect for democracy, no respect for the Constitution,” Agbese stated with conviction,’ the Rep was quoted as saying.
However, when he pointed to the portrait of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, he proclaimed him as the true leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.
“He (Akume) remains the leader of the party and the father of the state, he’s a man of fairness, equity, and that’s why we love him, and he has earned his respect,” Agbese said.
