According to Hon. Azua Ashongo, the state’s deputy chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has denied claims that his administration marginalized the indigenous population of Kwande Local Government Area.
Governor Alia insisted that his government has continued to empower and accommodate Kwande residents, with no fewer than 24 indigenous currently occupying important positions in his administration, characterizing the claim as baseless and unmotivated.
The governor added in a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, that although he is open to constructive criticism, he would not give in to what he described as “concocted grievances, that lack depth, substance, and are merely politics of slander.”
Kwande native Ashongo has accused the governor of a number of transgressions, including reportedly dismissing his relatives from public office.
In a statement titled “Setting the record straight on Governor Alia and Kwande,” the CPS responded, saying, “The recent comment attributed to Hon. Azua Ashongo, titled ‘Alia’s Sins Against Kwande,’ is not only deceptive and misleading, but also treacherously conflict-ridden.”Unfortunately, some people have adopted dishonesty, sacrificing facts on the altar of politics in order to deceive the unwary public, at a time when Benue State needs unity, sober contemplation, and honest leadership.
Ashongo was also criticized by Kula, who called his strategy divisive. According to him, “Ashongo, a purported PDP leader in Benue State, feels that compiling a list of political appointees who have been relieved of their appointments from Kwande is the best way to smear Gov Alia.” Sadly, he was unable to explain why they were taken out, which brought up more contentious concerns.
“For the record, Governor Alia has not, in word or deed, shown any hatred for Kwande people,” he emphasized, defending the governor’s lack of hostility against the Kwande people.
His administration has continuously worked to implement governance reforms based on competence, performance, and accountability rather than political appeasement, zoning manipulation, or ethnicity.
The CPS further explained that performance factors alone were the reason behind some officials’ disengagement.
“The removal of Chief Mrs. Mimi Adzape Orubibi, Prof. Joseph Alakali, and others from their duties was not an attack on Kwande but a cursory reflection of the Governor’s resolve to build a results-driven administration,” he stated.
Many Kwande sons and daughters are currently strategically positioned throughout the Alia government, and more are still being chosen on the basis of talent rather than political noise.
A number of Kwande natives are currently employed by the government, according to the statement: “Prof. Yangien Timothy Ornguga; Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Hon. Terngu Shawon; Special Adviser on Politics, Msughter Fidelis Unongo: Special Adviser Special Duties, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe: DG Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Aondona Stephen Uta: Executive Secretary Bureau of Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Bem Jacob Tseen: Executive Secretary Teaching Service Board, Kumafan Dzaan: Statistician General,” the statement continued.
“Mrs. Scholastic Liam: Commissioner 4 Civil Service Commission, Alexander Mbakindev: Executive Secretary, Benue State Rehabilitation Board, Dr. Mrs. Erdoo Mongol-Agah: MD/CEO Benue Geo-Mining Company, Engr. Msughter Philip Chiga: Kwande Gubernatorial Liaison, Surv. Emmanuel Nongu, Philip Salemkaan: Principal Special Assistant, Cabinet Affairs, Emmanuel Atim: Principal Special Assistant, Entertainment, Wilfred Akoso: SSA, Hon. Samuel Maga: SSA, Project Monitoring and Community Service, Abraham Dooôrun Agôgô: SSA, Community Mobilization, Orkuma Adzua Ikyur: PSA Forestry & Logging, Asen Sambe: Member Pensions Board, Thomas Igyômon: Member Benue State Teaching Hospital Board.”
The statement went on to address Ashongo’s zoning claim, saying, “It is mischievous for Ashongo to lament about zoning, as if he does not know it is a mere political arrangement and not a constitutional right.” Ashongo is aware that when changes are made, they are frequently done to promote equity, stability, and wider inclusion rather than supremacy.
“At best, it is blatant political dishonesty and an attempt to inflame the polity that he believes that zoning changes mean hatred for Kwande.”
“Ashongo’s claim that Governor Alia interfered with the funeral of Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo and has denied killings in Kwande is blatantly untrue,” Kula said in response to accusations pertaining to insecurity and traditional concerns. It is an egregious and ill-intentioned statement.
“The Alia administration has unswervingly acknowledged the security crisis in Benue and is actively collaborating with federal security agencies, traditional institutions, and humanitarian partners to restore peace,” he said, adding that the state government is still taking a proactive approach to security.
In addition, the statement charged Ashongo with politicizing delicate constitutional issues, claiming that his remarks regarding the Benue State Chief Judge case demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the rule of law.
“It is reckless to politicize judicial processes and reduce them to sections, partisanship, and Kwande persecution storylines,” claims Kula. The rule of law must prevail, not emotional coercion and blackmail.
