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The storm brewing in the Benue State political landscape has reached a fever pitch, with the Benue State National Assembly Caucus accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia of rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s peace initiative aimed at reconciling him with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
A caucus of federal lawmakers from Benue State, on Thursday alleged that Governor Alia had consistently ignored efforts to resolve the long-running feud between him and the SGF, which has divided the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Governor Alia’s media aide Solomon Iorpev denied the allegations, challenging the federal lawmakers to produce evidence of the governor’s invitation to peace talks. Iorpev insisted that the governor did not accept the invitation.
The rift between Governor Alia and the SGF has created a crisis within the APC in Benue State, with the party splitting along partisan lines. Despite interventions from the paramount ruler, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse and other stakeholders, the rift remains unresolved.
Recently, the APC national leadership dissolved the party’s executive council in Benue and inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs.
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Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the spokesman of the Benue National Assembly and the Federal Officers Caucus, Philip Agbese, expressed concern over Governor Alia’s alleged refusal to accept the peace initiative proposed by President Tinubu.
Agbese said, “The Benue National Assembly caucus is not surprised. It is his (Alia’s) nature and character to disrespect individuals and dignitaries. Anyone, let alone the governor himself, who frustrates President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure peace returns to the party in Benue will hinder progress.”
Agbese further alleged that Governor Alia’s action indicated a desire to “destroy the APC in Benue State for his narrow interests.”
Defending Governor Alia, his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategy, Iorpev, challenged Agbese to honor the invitation extended to the governor for peace talks.
Iorpev asked, “Can the National Assembly caucus extend an invitation addressed to His Excellency? The governor has never taken the party for granted; he has always respected all agreements with the party. He has no time for grudges; he is busy doing his job. However, the National Assembly caucus always brings up issues to distract him. Why can’t they let the governor focus? Why doesn’t the SGF complain? Why are they complaining on his behalf?”
When asked about the relationship between the SGF and Governor Alia since the intervention by the Tor Tiv and others, Iorpev confirmed that the two leaders were on good terms, stating, “I know they talk to each other and hug each other whenever they meet.”
Iorpev advised the National Assembly caucus to focus on their responsibilities and stop bothering the governor.
Benue House of Assembly Caucus accuses Gov. Alia of shunning Tinubu’s peace initiative first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.
