The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and member representing Ado/ Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Philip Agbese has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state for his leadership in ensuring the successful conduct of the APC local government primary elections across the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.
But in a swift reaction, the Governor lampooned the lawmaker for allegedly fabricating falsehood to mislead the public insisting that no primary election was conducted in the state.
Agbese in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Lawrence Oduh made available to newsmen in Makurdi “praised Governor Alia for providing a transparent and inclusive environment that was crucial to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries.
“He highlighted the Governor’s commitment to democracy, noting that the process was free of major incidents and allowed for the genuine expression of the people’s will.”
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The lawmaker who noted that the process was free and fair, further “extended his gratitude to Governor Alia for prioritizing the security of party members throughout the election process. He noted that the Governor’s coordination with security agencies played a key role in maintaining peace and order, which was essential for the success of the elections.
He called on all party members to remain united and to build on the success of these primaries as the APC prepares for the next phase of its political journey.”
But reacting to assertion of the lawmaker, Governor Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula urged the public to discountenance his claim saying “it has come to the notice of the Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, that Mr. Philip Agbese has made a statement appreciating the Governor and former state chairman of the APC in Benue for conducting Local Government and Ward congresses to nominate candidates for the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.
“It is expedient to clarify that the APC did not conduct any LG and Ward Primaries anywhere in Benue State. The caretaker committee of the party for Benue State, which was set up and inaugurated by His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee, has not yet commenced the sale of nomination and declaration of interest forms for aspirants, so there is no way any primaries would have been conducted.
“Governor Alia, as the leader of APC in Benue State, presided over the State Executive Committee, SEC, meeting that ratified the suspension of the former state chairman of the party, Mr. Austin Agada, by the APC in Ehaji Ward of Ogbadibo LGA. Therefore, there is no way he will collaborate with the erstwhile member of the party for any official function of the party.
“Mr. Agbese is known for insulting and casting aspersions on Governor Alia, and denigrating the office of the Governor of Benue State. He is known for fabricating and promoting falsehood and should be ignored by every genuine and responsible citizen.
“Governor Alia is firmly focused and is already delivering on his mandate, keeping to the exact terms of the social contract he made with the people before his election as Governor. He cannot be distracted by joining issues with the likes of Philip Agbese, his sponsors and co-travellers.
“The public is urged to disregard such false and mischievous statements and devious opinions.”
