In a significant political development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has intervened to halt a scheduled All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting, which was set to take place on Thursday, August 15, 2024, in Makurdi, the state capital. The move has highlighted ongoing tensions within the party’s leadership in the state.
### Governor’s Stance on the Unauthorized Meeting
Governor Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, expressed his disapproval of the meeting, emphasizing that he was not informed or consulted about it. The meeting was reportedly convened by the factional chairman of the APC in Benue State, Mr. Austin Agada. The governor made it clear that as the recognized leader of the party in the state, no such gathering should occur without his knowledge and approval.
The governor’s statement read: “There were publications on cyberspace to the effect that a meeting of the State Executive Committee of the Benue APC is summoned to hold today, Thursday, August 15, 2024. However, the Governor, as the leader of the party in Benue State, was not informed of this meeting.”
Governor Alia emphasized that any attempt to hold an unauthorized meeting could potentially disrupt the peace of the state, warning that there would be consequences for those involved. He reiterated his authority, stating that as the leader of the APC in Benue State, he should be fully aware of any legitimate gatherings within the party.
### Alia’s Position as APC Leader in Benue State
Governor Alia further asserted his position as the state’s party leader, stating, “The last time I checked, I am still the APC leader in the state. No APC meeting can be summoned without my knowledge. Not just that, as the Chief Security Officer in the state, I should know when a legitimate gathering is supposed to hold.”
This intervention by the governor underscores the delicate nature of internal party dynamics in Benue State, where factional disputes have occasionally flared up. The governor’s statement serves as a clear message to party members that all activities, especially those involving the State Executive Committee, must align with the party’s leadership and state security protocols.
### Warning Against Unlawful Activities
Governor Alia also stressed the importance of law and order, stating that Nigeria, including Benue State, is not a lawless entity. He warned that those who attempt to undermine the state’s authority or challenge the leadership within the APC will face repercussions. “Nigeria is not a lawless state, and so is Benue State. Those who think they can undermine the authority of the state must know this and know peace,” he remarked.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse within Benue State’s APC. Governor Alia’s decisive action against the unauthorized meeting signals his determination to maintain control over the party’s affairs and prevent any actions that could destabilize the state’s political environment. As the situation unfolds, party members and stakeholders will be closely watching how these internal dynamics impact the APC’s future in Benue State.
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