Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has been accused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of playing a blame game over the state’s murders.
According to reports, Alia accused prominent lawmakers in Abuja and the National Assembly of plotting murders and providing sanctuary and food for those behind the state’s crises during an interview on Channels Television.
In response, the Benue chapter of the PDP issued a statement on Saturday, signed by Tim Nyor, its publicity secretary, characterizing the governor’s accusations as an attempt at political escapism. This is not only reckless, but it also risks diverting attention from the pressing and significant actions that must be taken to address the situation.
The PDP claimed that prior governments had acknowledged the danger and referred to it as “attacks by armed herdsmen” without frivolously assigning blame.
The opposition party expressed dismay at the Alia administration’s apparent lack of reason and rationality in its handling of insecurity.
Instead of using flimsy propaganda, the PDP urged Alia to submit thorough security reports to the right authorities for appropriate action.
Even though the governor may be immune from punishment, the party emphasized that he should be reminded that the Abuja politicians he disparages do not have the same protection.
The statement says, “It is crucial to remember that Benue’s security issues are not unique to Nigeria. Although the administrations of nearby states like Plateau and Taraba confront comparable challenges, they have demonstrated a more responsible stance by recognizing the security realities and acting to mitigate them.
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On the other hand, Governor Alia has prioritized shifting the blame rather than addressing the underlying reasons of insecurity, swinging between blaming foreign invaders, Abuja politicians, and other scapegoats.
Are Abuja representatives the only ones responsible for the attacks in Plateau, Enugu, Taraba, or elsewhere? Or is Benue unfairly being singled out in a witch hunt focused on politics?
Herdsmen attacks in Benue still occur before Governor Alia’s administration, as they did under Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.
“Propaganda, false allegations, and diversions taint the governor’s speech rather than addressing the core problems.
It is imperative that Benue’s security issues are not disregarded or sacrificed for political reasons.
“It is reckless and a risky misdiagnosis of the issue to suggest or explicitly assert that representatives of Abuja are funding herdsmen terrorism.”PDP Accuses Alia of Propaganda, Demands Detailed Report on Benue Killings
Instead of using preposterous propaganda, he ought to submit thorough security reports to the right authorities for appropriate action if he truly believes what he is saying.
“The PDP asks Governor Alia to put an end to blame politics and concentrate on responsible, inclusive, and tangible security measures. Honesty, accountability, and a sense of unity are essential for a leader who also carries the moral burden of a Reverend in this crucial period.
