In the escalating tension between Benue State Governor, Revd Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, a noteworthy development has occurred. Hon. Philip Agbese, a Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, took a decisive step at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Upon entering his office, Agbese removed Governor Alia’s portrait from the gallery and directed his Secretary to discard it, asserting that the Governor, lacking regard for democracy and the Constitution, is unfit to be recognized as a father or leader.
This action signifies Agbese’s stance on Governor Alia’s perceived disregard for democratic principles and the constitutional framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It reflects a growing divide and tension in the political landscape, highlighting the complexities within the leadership dynamics of Benue State.
“So, today, I officially remove the portrait of this person (Governor Alia) from my office. Because he is not fit to be a leader. We can’t follow him.
“If you do not have respect for democracy; you don’t respect the constitution; then you are not my father and leader and your picture is not supposed to be in my office. “So, secretary, please help me trash this portrait. Thank you very much”, Agbese said.
The Lawmaker, who is the deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, had adorned his office with portraits of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Alia; Senator Akume; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; alongside his personal portrait in his office, since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, June this year.
“This is the person we want to see. This is our leader, of course, he remains the leader of the party; he remains the father of the state.
There is no doubt about him.
“Because, he is a man of fairness, he is a man of equity, he is a man of justice. That is why we love him, and he has earned his respect”.
Recall that the Benue State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been engulfed by in-house fire for some time. Just last week, the local government chairmen of the party in all the 23 local government areas of the state distanced themselves from the appointment of the council caretaker committee made by the governor.
The party chairmen also accused the governor of abandoning the party and hobnobbing with the opposition party in the state; this stand was also corroborated by the state leadership of the party.
The intra-party dispute in the State also threatened the seats of four Members of the State House of Assembly, as those alleged to be loyal to the SGF were suspended yesterday, following face-off with those loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Assembly.
