A political leader in Nigeria’s Benue State has called for an end to infighting within the ruling party, urging lawmakers to prioritize governance over partisan disputes. Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, publicly criticized the State House of Assembly for delaying the confirmation of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commissioner nominees, labeling the impasse a threat to the state’s development.
The dispute escalated after the Assembly, led by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, declined on August 8, 2025, to begin screening the governor’s proposed cabinet members. Lawmakers cited unresolved grievances, including claims that Governor Alia failed to provide official vehicles to some legislators and neglected to enforce suspension orders against certain local officials. Onjeh, however, dismissed these issues as politically motivated, arguing that the demands reflect personal grievances rather than constitutional obligations.
“Separation of powers does not imply any branch is infallible,” Onjeh stated, emphasizing that legislative oversight should not paralyze governance. He challenged the Assembly’s stance by invoking constitutional principles: “If the legislature makes a wrong call, should the executive still follow it, even if it harms public interest?”
The APC candidate also referenced historical tensions, alleging repeated efforts to undermine Governor Alia’s administration through withheld funds and legal battles. He accused political opponents of exploiting the legislature to weaken the governor, particularly in Benue South, where localized conflicts over local government leadership have intensified. Onjeh cited his own experience in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, where he accepted the election of a rival candidate, as an example of moving past political bitterness.
Drawing parallels to national politics, Onjeh urged state lawmakers to emulate the collaborative dynamic between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. He stressed that while legislators can recommend actions, executive authority ultimately rests with the governor. “The Assembly’s role is to guide, not obstruct,” he said, comparing its demands to constitutional amendments subject to presidential veto.
Onjeh further condemned attempts by former officials to install allies in key positions through manipulation, calling such tactics detrimental to stability. With Governor Alia entering the final two years of his term, Onjeh pressed the Assembly to treat the confirmation process as a routine duty rather than a negotiating tool. “Governance can’t wait,” he asserted, adding, “Put Benue first.”
The standoff highlights broader challenges in Nigerian state politics, where competing interests often stall administrative processes. As Benue grapples with economic and security pressures, the call to resolve institutional gridlock underscores the stakes for effective governance in a region already facing complex crises.
