From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the suspension of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), bye-election into the Guma1 State Constituency over alleged insecurity.
Governor Alia said he took the decision in view that the primaries were marred by irregularities, insisting that security of the state remains paramount more so that the election was in Guma Local Government Area which is vulnerable to insecurity.
He stated that it was the desire of government to ensure that peace and security was maintained in the area, a development which has necessitated the suspension of the exercise.
The Governor also alleged that some politicians from outside the LGA hijacked the election leading to the disenfranchisement of delegates that were expected to vote in the primaries.
Earlier, our correspondent gathered that the election into the Guma1 state constituency on Saturday, January 6, 2024, was disrupted following irregularities that characterized its conduct.
One of the APC members from Guma, who refused to be named, told our correspondent that on the election morning, the gate leading to the venue of the election was barricaded by a detachment of security agencies including the police.
The source said some of the delegates were banned from accessing the venue of voting including one of the aspirant, Maurice Orwough, caretaker council chairman of Guma local government, Mr Simon Unongu, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese as well as member representing Makurdi North, Alfred Emberga from accessing the voting point at Avinegbom Hotel, in Daudu.
According to him, the developments drew the attention of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Paul Biam, who was to serve as the Benue state official observer to the primary election.
It was said that on arrival, Biam forced the gate open only to discovered that the national credentials officials of All Progressives Congress, (APC), who were to conduct the primary election were no where to be found just as the election materials were not also found.
Guma 1 state constituency was declared vacant last year following the resignation of Dr.Yanmar Ortese who was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services and the fresh election is expected to be conducted next month to filled up the vacant seat of the constituency in the Benue state House of Assembly.
Briefing newsmen in Government House, Makurdi when some party faithfuls and youths from Guma came to complain, Governor Alia pleaded with them to remain calm to enable the national working committee wade into the matter.
He said, “You must assist me and all our security agencies to keep peace in the state and especially in Guma. Guma is most vulnerable and it is government priority to ensure peace to enable us return IDPs to their ancestral homes successfully.
“Let there be no fighting or insecurity in Guma. Let there be peace. I know that the national working Committee will do everything to ensure that the right thing is done. I appreciate you for coming in your numbers to register their grievances but let us ensure that the peace in the state is sustained,” Alia pleaded.