By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has denied allegations that he instigated the recent calls for the removal of Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The controversy arose after the newly inaugurated Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs) of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, along with the Benue Renaissance Group (BRG), publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to sack Senator Akume, accusing him of undermining Governor Alia. In response, the Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) expressed shock, blaming Governor Alia for allegedly orchestrating the campaign against the SGF.

Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, issued a statement over the weekend in Makurdi dismissing the claims. The statement read:

“This rebuttal is necessitated by the mischief circulating in the media, sponsored by the SGF’s proxies, who are desperate to blackmail the Governor and distract him from his unprecedented developmental strides in the state. These individuals based their mischievous claims on the communique released by a group of appointees of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“While the views expressed in the communique reflect the concerns of these appointees, it is critical to emphasize that they do not represent an official stance of the Governor. The individuals involved acted autonomously and did not claim to speak on behalf of Governor Alia.

“If the Governor wanted Senator Akume removed, he knows the appropriate channels for making such a request, just as he did when recommending him for the SGF position. The ongoing public attacks from Akume’s political allies, including his wife, are regrettable, but Governor Alia has maintained restraint and chosen not to retaliate.”

Governor Alia reaffirmed his focus on governance, stating: “Benue has endured underdevelopment for too long to allow distractions. The Reverend gentleman is committed to his mandate and remains focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people.”

Reacting to the denial, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Daniel Ihomun, accused the Governor of contradictions and dishonesty. Ihomun said:

“The statement is full of contradictions and lies. It is misleading to suggest Governor Alia played any role in Senator Akume’s appointment as SGF. Senator Akume’s political relationship with President Tinubu predates Governor Alia’s tenure and was a significant factor in his appointment.”

Ihomun also questioned the Governor’s claim that the appointees acted independently, pointing out that a similar autonomous action by a commissioner led to their suspension. “Why were the GLOs received and entertained by the Governor’s Chief of Staff after their controversial call for Akume’s removal? If their actions were unauthorized, why have they not been sanctioned?”

The APC urged Governor Alia to focus on uniting the party and delivering on his campaign promises instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.

“Governor Alia and Senator Akume must work together to achieve the progress Benue State deserves. This is a time for unity, not division,” Ihomun concluded.