The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State says it finds statements made by the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia during a live interview on Channels TV disturbing, adding that the governor irresponsibly accused Benue’s political office holders in Abuja of being the primary cause of the security challenges facing the state.
A statement by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor says the attempt at political escapism is not only irresponsible but also dangerously distracts from the urgent and substantive measures needed to address the insecurity crisis.
He said the PDP also views such reckless scapegoating by the governor as deeply disheartening and counterproductive.
The main opposition party noted that Benue’s security challenges are not in isolation in Nigeria as neighboring states such as Plateau and Taraba face similar threats, yet their governments have shown a more responsible approach by acknowledging the security realities and taking proactive steps to address them.
MUST READ: Benue Insecurity: Governor Alia Insists Politicians Are Complicit
It noted that conversely, Governor Alia’s focus has been on blame-shifting, alternating between accusing Abuja politicians, foreign invaders, and other scapegoats, instead of confronting the root causes of insecurity.
The party said the truth remains that herdsmen attacks in Benue predate Governor Alia’s administration, just as they did during the tenures of Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.
It dares the Governor to present a comprehensive security report to the relevant authorities for appropriate action if he genuinely believes his claims, rather than resorting to baseless propaganda.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
