The Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the National Assembly, consisting of senators and representatives, has issued an appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje. The appeal is aimed at addressing what the caucus perceives as the governor’s “one-man show” leadership style and alleged mismanagement by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
During a State of the Nation Address held in Abuja, Senator Titus Zan, the leader of the Benue NASS caucus, accused Governor Alia of displaying arrogance, egocentricity, and mismanagement, which the caucus believes is eroding the governor’s popularity among the people who elected him. The caucus expressed concerns that the governor is using “Rent-a-Crowd” tactics to project a popularity that doesn’t exist.
The caucus implored the party’s leadership at all levels to intervene in what it perceives as the governor’s unilateral and non-consultative approach to governance. They alleged that Governor Alia has abandoned democratic consultations, embraced totalitarianism, practiced nepotism in appointments, and engaged in extravagant spending.
Senator Zan highlighted instances of the governor’s dictatorial tendencies, such as unilaterally appointing the Speaker of the State House of Assembly against stakeholders’ agreements. The caucus also accused the governor of favoring his immediate constituency and local government area in political appointments, while neglecting the broader interests of the state.
The caucus expressed disappointment that the governor has not heeded calls for consultation or engaged with federal lawmakers and the general public. It warned of the potential dangers in allowing the current situation to persist, emphasizing that it could harm the party’s standing among a dissatisfied electorate in Benue State.
