The ongoing conflict between Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and the 23 Local Government council chairmen, who were recently suspended by the State House of Assembly, is escalating into a potential political crisis. Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are getting involved in what seems to be a battle for power. The suspension of the chairmen by the Assembly caused tension, with the chairmen refusing to comply and Governor Alia warning them against actions that could disrupt the peace in the state.
The chairmen remained defiant and vowed to continue working despite the suspension and the governor's admonition. This led to threats and counter-threats from both sides. PDP leaders and supporters pledged their support to the suspended chairmen, while ruling party supporters declared they would prevent them from returning to their offices. The people of the state feared a potential political crisis, but the suspended chairmen decided to avoid any confrontation to prioritize the security of lives and property.
Law enforcement agencies also advised the chairmen not to go to their offices until the issue was resolved. The chairmen heeded this advice, but they and the Benue State chapter of the PDP plan to take legal action against the governor and the State House of Assembly. They accuse the ruling party of trying to suppress opposition in Benue State, but they are determined to challenge the suspension and fight for their positions.
The chairman of the Guma Local Government council, Honourable Michael Uba, spoke on behalf of the suspended chairmen, stating that the suspension was illegal, and they would not accept it. They believe they were elected by the people and are obligated to defend their mandates. They argue that the suspension goes against the state's Local Government Establishment law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Danladi Lami, denied any political motives behind the suspension. She praised Governor Alia for taking decisive action to address allegations of misappropriation of funds within the local government system. She stressed that the investigation was necessary to protect the interests of the people and maintain the integrity of democratic institutions. Lami urged the suspended chairmen to cooperate with the investigation.
Governor Alia clarified that the suspension was for investigation purposes and not a permanent removal from office. He reiterated that the recommendations from the State House of Assembly were upheld by the state executive council. The governor advised the suspended chairmen to be patient and wait for the opportunity to defend themselves before the House of Assembly committee. He assured them that those who were innocent would be reinstated but maintained that they would remain suspended until the investigation was concluded.
The conflict between Governor Alia and the suspended chairmen continues to unfold, with legal action being pursued and the future of the local government councils hanging in the balance.
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