By Tom Zaneni, Abuja
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has said that he was not aware that the All Progressives Congress had conducted local government and ward congresses in the state.
In a press release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, on Tuesday, Alia also said he had not received any briefing on the congresses.
He was reacting to a statement credited to the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, in which the legislator thanked the governor and others for the conclusion of the congresses.
The governor, who is the leader of the APC in the state, further stated that he was neither contacted nor informed that the party had commenced the sale of forms for the congresses.
He said it was surprising that the congresses could have taken place without sale of forms, adding that the APC in Benue State had not held local government and ward congresses.
Alia contended that he presided over the meeting where the suspension of the factional state chairman of APC, Austin Agada was ratified, stressing that he could not have connived with the “former chairman” for any official activity of the party.
He described the comments of Agbese as an act of mischief, insisting that the APC in Benue had not conducted local government and ward congresses.
The statement read in part: “It has come to the notice of the Governor and leader of the APC in Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, that Mr. Philip Agbese has made a statement appreciating the Governor and former state chairman of the APC in Benue for conducting Local Government and Ward congresses to nominate candidates for the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.
“APC did not conduct any Local Government and Ward Primaries anywhere in Benue State.
“The Caretaker Committee of the party for Benue State, which was set up and inaugurated by His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee, has not yet commenced the sale of nomination and declaration of interest forms for aspirants, so there is no way any primaries would have been conducted.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia, as the leader of APC in Benue State, presided over the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting that ratified the suspension of the former state chairman of the party, Mr. Austin Agada, by the APC in Ehaji Ward of Ogbadibo Local Government Area. Therefore, there is no way he will collaborate with the erstwhile member of the party for any official function of the party.
“Mr. Philip Agbese is known for insulting, casting aspersions on His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and denigrating the office of the Governor of Benue State. He is known for fabricating and promoting falsehood and should be ignored by every genuine and responsible citizen.
“Governor Alia is firmly focused and is already delivering on his mandate, keeping to the exact terms of the social contract he made with the people before his election as Governor. He cannot be distracted by joining issues with the likes of Philip Agbese, his sponsors and co-travellers.
“The public is urged to disregard such false and mischievous statements and devious opinions.”
