The appointment of two security advisers by Governor Hyacinth Alia has alarmed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, which fears a power struggle in the fight against insecurity in the region.
This was said in a statement that the party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, gave the media on Tuesday.
According to media reports, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at a press conference held at Government House Makurdi after a meeting of state stakeholders from the Mbaivur and Mbasombo areas, a man named Joseph Har identified himself to journalists as the governor’s special adviser on internal affairs and security.
The same Joseph Har also presented Alexander Igbaya Ashungu, a man credited with being a retired lieutenant colonel in the Nigerian Army, to the governor as a special adviser on security and strategic liaison.
“Considering that the governor has not made any such appointments despite the ultimatum the Benue State House of Assembly issued to him, PDP finds this development to be not only shocking but unacceptable,” Iortyom stated.
“The party recalls that precisely on Tuesday, 24th October 2023, the Benue State House of Assembly, worried by worsening insecurity in the state, handed a 3-day ultimatum to Governor Alia to appoint a Security Adviser to his office.
“The legislature’s ultimatum highlighted the concerning reality that, despite the serious security difficulties facing his administration—most notably herdsmen terrorism and banditry—the governor, after nearly six months in office, had not appointed a Security Adviser.”
He said that despite concerns made by a number of sources, including our esteemed party, the governor disregarded the state Assembly’s ultimatum and has yet to respond.
“Governor Alia is once again reminded by PDP of his legal obligation to be transparent and accountable to the people. PDP also demands that he adhere to proper protocol when appointing people to important positions like Special Adviser on Security.”
According to him, an adviser is a public servant employed in accordance with the legal process established by the taxpayer, who also covers the expense of his salary and upkeep and, as such, retains the right to know who is employed in that role.
Iortyom insisted that Alia submit to the law, follow the process for designating a Security Adviser, and announce the appointment via official government channels.
