APC, PDP Defy  Alia’s Directive, Hold Congresses in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State have both defied the directive by the state Governor Hyacinth Alia banning political gathering in state.

The state government had placed a ban on all forms of political meetings and gatherings be it inter-party, intra-party or groups till further notice.

In a letter addressed to the state Commissioner of Police by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, he had said the ban become imperative “following intelligence on the volatility of the security atmosphere in some parts of the state.”

Despite the directive, the two major parties had successful congresses in the state last Sunday.

It is left to see the reaction of the state government, but a source said the governor had no right to stampede the constitution which provided for freedom of expression and association.

While the APC held a special congress meeting at the residence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, in Makurdi, the PDP had there zonal congress  at the Golden Palm Resort in Otukpo.

The purpose of the APC meeting, according to its spokesman, Mr. Daniel Ihomun, among many other issues included the filling of vacant positions created in the state . The meeting was attended by members of the state executive committee of the party,

The meeting also has in attendance members of the state APC National Assembly Caucus, members of the state House of Assembly, APC local government party chairmen, delegates across the 23 local government chapters of the party, APC ward chairmen, critical stakeholders and APC members across the state.

Candidates were nominated in accordance with the constitution of the party and endorsed to fill the vacancies within the state working committee of the party with the approval of the congress.

The positions included the following: the state Secretary of the party, Hon. Donald Amokaha Gboughor, who hails from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, he replaced Rt. Hon. Paul Biam, who has been appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Alia;  Assistant State Woman Leader, Hon. Margaret Adom (Vandeikya), replaced Mrs. Member Dekera, who has been appointed SSA to Alia on Beautification; State Legal Officer, Matthew T Alyebo (Makurdi) replacing Fidelis Mnyim, who has been appointed Attorney-General , Commissioner for Justice and Civic Order; State Assistant Welfare Secretary, Hon. Ijirbee Iorkusu (Tarka) replacing Hon Alu Jimin who is late. Those nominated and endorsed to fill positions at the local government chapters of the party included Hon. Ushahenba  Ityavkase Ushongo, Local Government  Area APC Chairman; Hon. Asua Mwakyoga Caleb for Konshisha LGA and Hon Oge Otumala for Oju LGA.

Elder Akange Audu, Prof. Enyi, Prince Simon Aondoana, Matthew Adoli, Prof Joseph Utsev, Hon. Mathias Byuan, Princess Awuese Torhee, Sen. Dr Titus Zam, Sen. Emmanuel Memga Udende in one voice unanimously pledged their unalloyed support to the SGF for continuously providing leadership to the party in the state attracting electoral victories and also influencing juicy federal appointments to indigene of the state, and urged all party faithful to remain steadfast in their support for the party at the local, state and federal level.

Also, the Senator representing Benue North East, Emmanuel Memga Udende and  Sen Elder Jack Gyado moved separate motions passing vote of confidence on President Bola Almed Tinubu, Dr. George Akume, and the state Chairman of the party, Comrade Austin Agada.

Earlier, the state chairman of the party, Comrade Austin Agada welcomed all stakeholders to the meeting and pledged to sustain his inclusive style of governance which brings everyone on board to guarantee the success of the party at all levels.

He said the party remains an indivisible entity and no one should see his or herself as above the party. Agada pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the leaders of the APC in Nigeria and in Benue State, President Tinubu and Dr. George Akume respectively.