Local Government Chairmen in Benue State, from the All Progressives Congress, APC, have accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of a deliberate refusal to collaborate with the party’s leadership and members in the state. This accusation was outlined in a communique issued after the forum’s meeting on Friday. In the communique, the forum highlighted instances of strained relations between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the party, citing inaccessibility, non-responsiveness to phone calls, and the exclusion of party leadership in key government appointments. The forum expressed dissatisfaction with the recent constitution of local government caretaker committees, alleging that the governor unilaterally produced a list that included individuals from opposition parties who did not support the party’s victory. The forum, led by Austin Agada, expressed satisfaction with the national APC leadership, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, and Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the leader of the party in Benue State and the North-Central Geopolitical Zone. However, the forum distanced itself from Governor Alia’s decision to sideline the party’s leadership in the formulation of policies and programs. They criticised the governor’s unilateral handling of state affairs without consulting the party, emphasising the importance of respecting the structures and leadership of political parties in a democratic system. Concerned about the governor’s disposition, perceived as an anti-party activity and ingratitude, the forum resolved to disassociate itself from state and local government functions unless the issues raised were addressed. They also resolved to stage peaceful protests at various offices, including the APC State Secretariat, Benue State House of Assembly Complex, Government House in Makurdi, APC National Secretariat in Abuja, and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.
