Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has denied allegations of masterminding the call for the removal of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The denial comes after the newly inaugurated Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs) and the Benue Renaissance Group (BRG) called for Senator Akume’s sack, accusing him of undermining Governor Alia.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia clarified that the groups’ opinions do not represent his official stance.
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He emphasized that if he wanted Senator Akume removed, he would know the proper channels to pursue.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has rejected Governor Alia’s denial, calling it “full of contradictions and lies.” Daniel Ihomun, the APC Publicity Secretary, accused Governor Alia of attempting to deceive the public and hide his true intentions.
The APC criticized Governor Alia’s claim that he recommended Senator Akume for the SGF position, stating that Senator Akume’s appointment was due to his long-standing relationship with President Bola Tinubu and his impressive political profile.
The party also questioned Governor Alia’s assertion that his appointees acted autonomously in calling for Senator Akume’s removal.
The APC urged Governor Alia to focus on delivering democratic dividends to the people of Benue State rather than engaging in “petty engagements” and “ungodly attempts” to distract Senator Akume.
The party emphasized the need for unity and cooperation between Governor Alia and Senator Akume to develop Benue State.
The controversy has sparked reactions from various groups, including the Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ), which expressed shock and disappointment over the call for Senator Akume’s removal.
The ATJ viewed the protest as an attack on a respected Benue leader and raised concerns about unity and priorities within the state.