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Gov Alia dismisses calls for state of emergency in Benue
The Benue State Government says there is no reason for people to call for the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor. Benue state, Hyacinth Alia, Mr Tersoo Kula, said this in a statement, on Monday in Makurdi.
Kula, who was reacting to the press briefing by the Centre for Judicial Integrity, said that the governor was in total control of the state.
He said that those calling for a state of emergency were not in touch with the happenings in the state, as there was no reason for such calls.
The CPS also warned those fanning embers of hate and mischief to steer clear of the state, as Benue people would not be persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers.
“Furthermore, the call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism.
“It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions, desperate and eager to capitalise on any situation for their advantage.
“Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Gov. Alia’s leadership.
“There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.” he said.
Kula refuted the allegations that Gov. Alia was involved in buying off members of the judiciary.
He challenged the Centre for Judicial Integrity to produce their evidence publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.
“This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor, who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and governance,” Kula said.
He said the state was witnessing transformational governance that prioritised the people’s welfare and well-being.
“Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and ensuring that the government works for the people.
“The inhabitants of Benue are happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state.
“Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
“Finally, we appeal to all forces involved in this smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process. The people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress,” he said.
(NAN)
Members of the Enugu State Caucus of Peoples Democratic Party, ( PDP) in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji , Rt. Hon. Martins Oke and Hon Anayo Onwuegbu have welcomed Rt. Hon. Dennis Agbo and Hon. Chidi Mark Obeta of Labour Party, (LP) to the PDP fold.
They observed that the visionary leadership of Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mba in Enugu State has ignited massive decamps and unprecedented upsurge of membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state.
The caucus in a statement issued after the two members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Dennis Agbo of Igboeze North/ Udenu and Chidi Mark Obeta who represents Nsukka/Igboeze South formally announced their transfer of membership to PDP at the resumption of House plenary on Tuesday said it was gladdening to receive them into the PDP fold.
They stressed that PDP in Enugu State was witnessing a great rebirth as a result of the transformative development agenda being unleashed in various sectors of the economy of the state by Governor Mba which has received global commendations.
The Enugu State caucus Leader, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji on behalf of the members further noted that Governor Mba’s investments in infrastructure, agro economy, and security among others have made Enugu State a tourist’s haven adding that with the good governance structure he has put in place, his second tenure would be a walkover.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, along with twenty-one other former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), elected into the Assembly has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a major realignment of political stakeholders across the state.
The defection of the twenty-two lawmakers has effectively transformed the Delta State House of Assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were originally elected on the ticket of the APC.
Announcing the development on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, the Speaker stated that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with their constituents and political leaders throughout the state.
He emphasized that the move aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
While expressing appreciation to members for their contributions so far, Guwor urged the House to ensure the completion of all pending bills as the second legislative session nears its end.
He noted that the political shift towards the APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and the desire to align with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress was made in the overall interest of Deltans and the state,” the Speaker said.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations held on April 23 and which cumulated on the official reception on April 28, 2025, at the Government House and the Cenotaph, respectively.
He said: “We are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver greater development to Deltans.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in making this strategic and timely decision.
“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour. This renewed partnership between the state and Federal Government must be supported and allowed to flourish, so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time.”
He informed the House that he had received twenty-two letters (including his own) notifying of the change of party affiliation from the PDP to the APC.
The defection, he said, was driven by instability within the PDP’s national leadership and factional divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity within the party.
Citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Speaker affirmed the constitutional basis for the defection.
“With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action”.
A motion to adopt the letters of party change was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, who represents Isoko South II.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary, the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi reiterated that the defection was prompted by the crisis within the PDP.
“Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalization at the South-South level. Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, in accordance with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.
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