Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ameh Comrade Godwin
Published on 2024-02-21 05:55:36
The National Assembly Caucus of Benue State, led by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, has come under scrutiny for its recent comments on the security situation in the state. The lawmakers from Benue State in the National Assembly had publicly called on both the federal and state governments, as well as the security agencies, to effectively protect the lives and property of the people of Benue. The legislators specifically pointed out Governor Hyacinth Alia for his alleged inaction in the face of ongoing killings and displacements in various local government areas. They also criticized the perceived unlawful dissolution of elected councils in Benue State and the subsequent appointment of caretaker committees by the state government.
In response to these criticisms, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the APC senatorial candidate in Benue South during the 2023 election, cautioned against politicizing the safety and security of Benue residents. He argued that the recent statements from the Benue State NASS Caucus were part of a coordinated effort to undermine Governor Alia. Onjeh advised the lawmakers to focus on their roles as federal legislators, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to politicize matters of human life.
Furthermore, Onjeh highlighted that during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, there were numerous reports of deadly attacks by herdsmen on villages, and even with democratically-elected local government executives in place, funds were allegedly withheld from the local governments. Onjeh pointed out that Senator Moro did not speak out against the rampant killings by herdsmen across Benue State during that time. He questioned why Moro did not criticize the Ortom administration, to which both he and Ortom were members of the same party, the PDP, yet has found his voice under the APC administration of Governor Alia. Onjeh also questioned the reliability of the information being received by Governor Alia from security forces, as it differed from the allegations made by the federal lawmakers.
In addition, Onjeh argued that the issue of local government caretaker committees was not unique to Benue State and was a trend observed in many states across Nigeria. He criticized the Benue NASS Caucus for making baseless statements to justify the attacks on their constituents by herders, stating that their actions were undemocratic and unfair to the Benue State electorate.
The exchange of opinions between the National Assembly Caucus and Comrade Daniel Onjeh highlights the underlying tensions and differences in perspectives on the security situation in Benue State. Their public disagreement also underscores the complexity of governance and security challenges faced by the state and the country as a whole.
Overall, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to address the security concerns faced by the people of Benue State, focusing on practical solutions rather than political disputes. It would be in the best interest of the residents of Benue for all parties to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
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