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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and member representing Ado/ Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Benue State, Rep. Philip Agbese has commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his leadership in ensuring the successful conduct of the recent APC local government primary elections across the 23 local government areas of Benue State.
Agbese made this commendation in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Lawrence Oduh, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
The Agada led State executives of the party said they had nominated 23 LG Chairmanship and 276 councillorship candidates for the forthcoming October LG elections
The federal lawmaker praised Governor Alia for providing a transparent and inclusive environment that was crucial to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries, highlighting the Governor’s commitment to democracy.
Agbese also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee, acknowledging their dedication and effectiveness in managing the party’s affairs during the critical period.
He emphasized that the committee’s proactive approach ensured that the primaries were not only free and fair but also a true reflection of the desires of the grassroots members.
He further lauded Governor Alia for prioritizing the security of party members throughout the election process as he noted that the Governor’s coordination with security agencies played a key role in maintaining peace and order, which was essential for the success of the elections urging party members to remain united and to build on the success of the primaries as the APC prepares for the next phase of its political journey.
But in reaction, Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that the Benue APC did not conduct any LG primary saying “Agbese’s mischief should be ignored.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia who was reacting to Agbese’s statement appreciating him and Comrade Austin Agada, whom he referred to as the former party chairman, for conducting LG and Ward congresses to nominate candidates for the forthcoming LG elections in the state, insisted that no such elections held.
He said the caretaker committee of the party for Benue State, which was set up and inaugurated by 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.
The statement said 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 LGA.
“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 Governor urged the public to disregard his opinions which he described as false, mischievous and devious.
