The governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has denied claims made by Hon. Azua Ashongo, the state’s deputy chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that his administration ignored the indigenous population of Kwande Local Government Area.
Governor Alia insisted that his government has continued to empower and accommodate people from Kwande, with no fewer than 24 natives currently occupying important positions in his administration, characterizing the claim as baseless and malicious.
The governor added that although he appreciates constructive criticism, he would not give in to what he described as “concocted grievances, that lack depth, substance, and are merely politics of slander” in a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
Ashongo, a Kwande native, has accused the governor of a number of misdeeds, including reportedly dismissing his relatives from public office.
“The recent comment credited to Hon. Azua Ashongo titled ‘Alia’s Sins Against Kwande’ is not only misrepresentative and deceptive, but treacherously conflict-ridden,” the CPS responded in a statement titled “Setting the record straight on Governor Alia and Kwande.”It is regrettable that certain people have adopted dishonesty, putting facts on the altar of politics in order to deceive the unwary public, at a time when Benue State needs unity, serious contemplation, and honest leadership.
Kula also criticized Ashongo, calling his strategy polarizing. He claims that Ashongo, a purported PDP leader in Benue State, thinks that compiling a list of political appointees who have been stripped of their Kwande posts is the greatest method to disparage Governor Alia. Unfortunately, he was unable to explain their removal, which led to further contentious situations.
“For the record, Governor Alia has not, in word or deed, shown any hatred for Kwande people,” he emphasized, maintaining that the governor has no malice toward the Kwande people.
Instead than focusing on political appeasement, zoning manipulation, or ethnicity, his government has continuously sought governance reforms based on performance, accountability, and competence.
Additionally, the CPS highlighted that performance factors alone were the basis for certain officials’ disengagement.
“The removal of Chief Mrs. Mimi Adzape Orubibi, Prof. Joseph Alakali, and others from their duties was a cursory reflection of the Governor’s resolve to build a results-driven administration, not an attack on Kwande,” he stated.
“As of right now, the Alia administration strategically places a large number of Kwande sons and daughters, and more are still appointed based on competence rather than political noise.”
“Prof. Yangien Timothy Ornguga; Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Hon. Terngu Shawon; Special Adviser on Politics, Msughter Fidelis Unongo: Special Adviser Special Duties, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe: DG Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Aondona Stephen Uta: Executive Secretary Bureau of Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Bem Jacob Tseen: Executive Secretary Teaching Service Board, Kumafan Dzaan: Statistician General,” the statement continued and named a number of Kwande indigenous people currently employed by the government.
“Mrs. Scholastic Liam: Commissioner 4 Civil Service Commission, Alexander Mbakindev: Executive Secretary, Benue State Rehabilitation Board, Dr. Mrs. Erdoo Mongol-Agah: MD/CEO Benue Geo-Mining Company, Engr. Msughter Philip Chiga: Kwande Gubernatorial Liaison, Surv. Emmanuel Nongu, Philip Salemkaan: Principal Special Assistant, Cabinet Affairs, Emmanuel Atim: Principal Special Assistant, Entertainment, Wilfred Akoso: SSA, Hon. Samuel Maga: SSA, Project Monitoring and Community Service, Abraham Dooôrun Agôgô: SSA, Community Mobilization, Orkuma Adzua Ikyur: PSA Forestry & Logging, Asen Sambe: Member Pensions Board, Thomas Igyômon: Member Benue State Teaching Hospital Board.”
“It is mischievous for Ashongo to lament about zoning, as if he does not know it is a mere political arrangement and not a constitutional right,” the statement continued in response to Ashongo’s zoning argument. Ashongo is aware that when changes are made, they are frequently done so for the sake of greater equity, stability, and inclusion rather than supremacy.
“At best, his belief that zoning changes equate to hatred for Kwande is blatant political dishonesty and an attempt to inflame the political climate.”
Kula characterized Ashongo’s statements regarding insecurity and traditional concerns as untrue, saying, “Ashongo’s assertion that Governor Alia interfered with Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s funeral and denied killings in Kwande is blatantly untrue. It is a declaration rife with immorality and malice.
“The Alia administration has unswervingly acknowledged the security crisis in Benue and is actively collaborating with federal security agencies, traditional institutions, and humanitarian partners to restore peace,” he continued, adding that the state government is still taking a proactive approach to security.
The statement further said that Ashongo’s remarks regarding the Benue State Chief Judge issue demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the rule of law and accused him of politicizing delicate constitutional issues.
“It is reckless to politicize judicial processes and reduce them to sections, partisanship, and Kwande persecution storylines,” says Kula. Instead of emotional coercion and extortion, the rule of law must prevail.