In a bold move reflecting their commitment to upholding values and ensuring respect for constituted authorities, the Ado Youth Solidarity Movement (ADYSM) has condemned the recent actions of a Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Agbese Philip, the representative of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State.
Agbese was captured in a viral video removing the official portrait of Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, from his office wall in the National Assembly in Abuja, coupled with disparaging remarks about the governor and his office.
Reacting to the lawmaker’s conduct in a press release signed by the group’s National President, Hon. (Comrade) Eveh Dominic Ogbu, the group distanced itself from Chief Agbese’s actions, stressing that they stand in stark contrast to the cultural ethos and traditions of the Ado people, characterised by benevolence and humility.
It then issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Chief Agbese, urging him to offer an apology to the governor of Benue State, which failure to comply might result in serious consequences, potentially involving protests and a demand for his resignation or recall from the National Assembly.
The statement read in parts: “The Ado Youth Solidarity Movement (ADYSM) is an umbrella body that covers youths of likeminds who are focused on projecting the positive values of our fatherland. We are determined to uphold the sanity of the Ado people irrespective of ethnic, religious or political persuasions. We are also united towards the promotion of quality leadership in all spheres of national life while fighting against corruption and economic sabotage as projected out by H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our attention was drawn to a recent video clip by Hon Chief Agbese Philip, the Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State. He was shown removing the official portrait of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia from the wall of his office in the National Assembly Abuja and making disparaging comments on the person and office of the Governor.
“We see this action by the first-time Member as a manifestation of bad upbringing and lack of respect for constituted authority, which is out of sync with our character as a people of culture and tradition. As good students of history, we can confirm that Ado people are known for benevolence and humility, hence it is unusual for any of our sons or daughters to behave in the way and manner Chief Agbese Philip did.
“We wonder how the House Member came to the conclusion that the Executive Governor of Benue State lacks leadership skills to govern the State when he only occasionally visits Benue State to cavort with paramours and does not engage positively to see for himself the dividends of democracy being delivered to our people by the Governor on a daily basis.
“More worrisome is the fact that the self-styled but tricky leader has been absent from his duty post and refused to visit his own Constituency to feel the pulse of the people since he was inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly. He has since changed his telephone numbers and the same constituents who stood in the sun to vite for him can no longer reach him. Furthermore, Chief Agbese has failed to open a functional Constituency Office back home to interface with the electorates.
“We, therefore, as concerned Ado Youths condemn in totality this exuberant behaviour displayed by him. We assure the governor of our unwavering loyalty and want him to know that it is not in our character to disobey constituted authorities. As such, we distance ourselves from this barbaric act exhibited by Agbese and pray you to forgive the good people of Ado.
“We are by this publication giving Chief Agbese Philip the next 72 hours to apologise to the Governor of Benue State or face dire consequences. As a way of ventilating our grievances if Agbese fails to do the needful, we shall lead massive protest to his office in Abuja within the coming week to demand that he voluntarily RESIGN his position as House Member or be RECALLED by the people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in accordance with Nigerian laws.”
