Gov Alia Addresses PDP Concerns, Affirms Peace for Kwande Peopl

Benue State Governor 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 Kwande Local Government Area indigenous people.

Governor Alia insisted that his government has continued to empower and accommodate Kwande residents, with no fewer than 24 indigenous currently occupying important positions in his administration, characterizing the claim as baseless and malicious.

The governor stated 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 transgressions, including reportedly dismissing his relatives from public office.

The CPS responded by saying in a statement titled “Setting the record straight on Governor Alia and Kwande” that the recent remark attributed to Hon. Azua Ashongo, “Alia’s Sins Against Kwande,” is not only dishonest and misleading, but also dangerously conflict-ridden.That some people have adopted dishonesty and sacrificed facts on the altar of partisanship in order to deceive the unwary public is regrettable at a time when Benue State needs unity, serious contemplation, and honest leadership.

Kula criticized Ashongo even more, calling his strategy polarizing. “Ashongo, a purported PDP leader in Benue State, feels that the best way to discredit Gov. Alia is to compile a list of political appointees who have been relieved of their appointments from Kwande,” he claims. Unfortunately, he was unable to explain their removal, which led to more contentious difficulties.

“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 prejudice toward Kwande people.

Instead than focusing on political appeasement, zoning manipulation, or ethnicity, his administration has continuously sought governance reforms based on performance, accountability, and competence.

Additionally, the CPS made it clear that performance was the only factor in some officials’ disengagement.

“The removal of Chief Mrs. Mimi Adzape Orubibi, Prof. Joseph Alakali, and others from their responsibilities was a cursory reflection of the Governor’s resolve to build a results-driven administration, not an attack on Kwande,” he stated.

“Many Kwande sons and daughters are strategically positioned in the Alia administration as of right now, 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.

“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, Hon. Mrs. Edna Uba, Hon. Philip Kwaghsor, Hon. Aondosoo Basil Mela: SSA, Politics and Liaison, Wilfred Akoso: SSA, Hon. Samuel Maga: 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, addressing Ashongo’s zoning argument. Ashongo is aware that when changes are made, they are frequently done to promote equity, stability, and more participation rather than supremacy.

“His belief that zoning changes are tantamount to anti-Kwande sentiment is, at best, blatant political dishonesty and an attempt to stir up political controversy.”

Regarding assertions about insecurity and traditional issues, Kula called Ashongo’s statements untrue, saying, “Ashongo’s claim that Governor Alia interfered with Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s funeral and denied killings in Kwande is blatantly untrue. It is a nasty and ill-intentioned declaration.

“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 continues to take a proactive approach to security.

Ashongo was also accused in the statement of politicizing delicate constitutional issues, claiming that his remarks regarding the Benue State Chief Judge case demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the rule of law.

“Politicizing judicial processes and reducing them to sections, partisanship, and Kwande persecution storylines is reckless,” says Kula. Instead of using emotional coercion and extortion, the rule of law must prevail.