By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Benue State Caucus of the National Assembly has strongly condemned Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent remarks accusing lawmakers from the state of sponsoring Fulani militia to attack and kill their people.
In a press statement, the caucus described the Governor’s allegations as “uncharitable” and “irresponsible.”
“Naturally, we had dismissed the rantings of the Governor as true to the character of a failed Governor,” the statement read.
The caucus noted that Governor Alia has a history of making contradictory statements on the security challenges in Benue State, which have resulted in the deaths of several Benue indigenes and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
The lawmakers also criticized the Governor for refusing to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly.
“The Governor has blatantly refused to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law even when the Senate resolution to a bill sponsored by Senator Titus Zam directed him to implement the law,” the statement added.
The caucus demanded that the Governor retract his words and apologize publicly to members of the Benue Caucus of the National Assembly. They also urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate the allegations and report to the Benue and Nigerian people.
“We unequivocally and without any fear of contradiction deny the allegation that we are sponsoring Fulani militia to attack and kill our people,” the statement emphasized. “Collectively and/or individually, members of the National Assembly have contributed immensely to the solution of the current situation and challenges bedeviling Benue State.”