Kwande People Not At War With Me, Gov Alia Tells PDP

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has debunked claims by the state deputy chairman of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Azua Ashongo, that he sacked the natives of Kwande local government area from his administration.

Alia who described Ashongo’s claims as false and malicious said his administration had appointed 24 Kwande people into sensitive positions.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, yesterday, the governor said he appreciates constructive criticisms but would not be cajoled by concocted grievances ,”that lack depth, substance, and are merely politics of slander.”

Ashongo who hails from Kwande had recently listed ‘Alia’s sins as the removal his kinsmen from positions, among other claims.

However, the CPS statement titled: “Setting the record straight on Governor Alia and Kwande”, stated, “The recent comment credited to Hon. Azua Ashongo titled ‘Alia’s Sins Against Kwande’ is not only misrepresentative and deceptive, but treacherously conflict-ridden.

”At a time when Benue State needs unity, sober reflection, and honest leadership, it is unfortunate that some persons have embraced deceit, sacrificing facts on the altar of partisanship just to hoodwink the unsuspecting public.

”To Ashongo, a supposed leader of PDP in Benue State, he believes the best way to smear Gov Alia is to draw up a list of political appointees that have been relieved of their appointments from Kwande. Sadly he couldn’t state why they were removed, raising other divisive issues.”

Kula further stated, “For the record, Governor Alia has not, in word or deed, shown any hatred for Kwande people.

His government has consistently pursued governance reforms anchored on performance, accountability, and competence, not ethnicity, zoning manipulation, or political appeasement.”

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Kula noted that, ”The deletion of Chief Mrs. Mimi Adzape Orubibi, Prof. Joseph Alakali, and others from their chores was not an attack on Kwande but a cursory reflection of the Governor’s resolve to build a results-driven administration.

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‎As at today, many Kwande sons and daughters are strategically placed in the Alia administration, and more continue to be appointed based on competence, not political noise.

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‎”The list below shows the number of Kwande sons and daughters currently serving in the Alia administration: 1. Prof Yangien Timothy Ornguga; Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, 2. Hon. Terngu Shawon; Special Adviser on Politics, 3. Msughter Fidelis Unongo: Special Adviser Special Dusties, 4. Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe: DG Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, 5. Aondona Stephen Uta Executive Secretary Bureau of Mines and Solid Minerals, 6. Hon. Bem Jacob Tseen Executive Secretary Teaching Service Board , 7. Kumafan Dzaan: Statistician General”.

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‎The statement further listed other appointees, “8. Mrs Scholastic Liam: Commissioner 4 Civil Service Commission, 9. Alexander Mbakindev: Executive Secretary, Benue State Rehabilitation Board, 10. Dr. Mrs Erdoo Mongol-Agah; MD/CEO Benue Geo-Mining Company, 11. Joel Terhemen Mtsôr: MD Benue Printing, 12. Engr. Msughter Philip Chiga: Kwande Gubernatorial Laiason, 13. Surv. Emmanuel Nongu, 14. Philip Salemkaan: Principal Special Assistant, Cabinet Affairs, 15. Emmanuel Atim: Principal Special Assistant, Entertainment, 16. Hon. Mrs Edna Uba, 17. Hon. Philip Kwaghsor:, 18. Hon. Aondosoo Basil Mela: SSA, Politics and Laiason, 19. Wilfred Akoso: SSA, 20. Hon. Samuel Maga: SSA, Project Monitoring and Community Service, 21. Abraham Dooôrun Agôgô: SSA, Community Mobilization, 22. Orkuma Adzua Ikyur: PSA Forestry & Logging, 23. Asen Sambe: Member Pensions Board, 24. Thomas Igyômon: Member Benue State Teaching Hospital Board” the statement explained.

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‎The statement added, “It is mischievous for Ashongo to lament about zoning, as if he does not know it is a mere political arrangement and not a constitutional right. This is practiced even in his PDP that has been bedeviled with issues of political leadership. Where adjustments occur, they are often made in the interest of broader inclusion, stability, and equity, not dominance, and Ashongo is aware of this.

‎”His thinking that zoning alterations amount to hatred for Kwande, is at best sheer political dishonesty and an effort at inflaming the polity. Unfortunately for him, Kwande people and Benue at large are aware of these attempts to inflame.

‎”Ashongo’s statement that Governor Alia disrupted the burial of Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo and has denied killings in Kwande is grossly inaccurate. It is a declaration steeped in wickedness and bad faith. Enough videos exist and Mr Ashongu may wish to refer to or follow even his PDP media chaps on Facebook to track.

“The Alia administration has unswervingly acknowledged the security crisis in Benue and is actively collaborating with federal security agencies, traditional institutions, and humanitarian partners to restore peace. As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Alia will not create cliches or slogans to politicize insecurity. He remains focused, and bit by bit progress is trickling even in the very Kwande Mr. Ashongu mounted the rostrum to spite and spike up acrimony.

‎”And in his desperation to further escalate his smear campaign against the Governor, Ashongo pushed his mischief forward by bringing in the matter involving the Chief Judge of Benue State that is currently within constitutional and legal frameworks. He has failed to understand that it is reckless to politicize judicial processes and reduce them to sections, partisanship and Kwande persecution storylines. The rule of law must triumph and not emotional blackmail and extortion. We cannot toe the path that lacks depth within both the understanding of the principle of separation of powers and common sense, which in this case appears to be uncommon.”