The Benue State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has accused the Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia of re-introducing thuggery in the State.
This was according to the statement by the Party’s State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, condemning the alleged disruption of the thanksgiving Mass in honour of the House of Representatives Member for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, Sesoo Ikpaghe in konshisha Local Government Areas.
The party accused the state Governor of authorizing the attack noting that it is a confirmation of his recent threat not to allow criticism of his administration from the public.
The statement reads in full
“The APC in Benue State condemns the Sunday attack on the Annunciation Catholic Rectory, during a thanksgiving mass organized in honour of Member Representing Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher in Tsuwe Daka, Shangev Tiev, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State by thugs believed to be sponsored by the Caretaker Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Council, Mr. Philip Achua and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde.
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“This is one attack too many. The APC in Benue State views this as a clear deviation from the current desire for peace by communities in Benue State and an open invitation to anarchy and chaos by the Alia led administration in the state. The party clearly can no longer tolerate such acts of violence on its members which has now been extended to the body of Christ.
“The brazen and mindless attack on the House of God, and the House Of Representatives member clearly confirms the re-introduction of thuggery and other social vices by the government of the day in Benue State. This is a clear violation of the freedom of association of the people enshrined as a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed by any responsible government.
“The party invites well-meaning Benue Citizens, Nigerians and all lovers of democracy to rise in condemnation of this dangerous phenomenon which is slowly but steadily taking root in Benue State under the Alia Administration.
“These unpleasant developments clearly demonstrate that the comments and declarations already made by the Governor, Fr. Hycinth Alia that anyone who dare criticises his government or points a finger at him will have them chopped off and destroyed were beyond verbal threats.
“The party commends the maturity and the ever-peaceful disposition of Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher and the Parish Priest of the Annunciation Catholic Rectory, Tsuwe Daka even in the face of this unwarranted attacks by thugs appointed into government by Gov. Alia.
“In spite of this, the APC in Benue State wishes to assure the Benue people of the party’s iron-cast resolve to ensure the return of peace amongst us and to eliminate thuggery from within us completely no matter how hard the present Administration continues to patronize same.
“We call on security agencies to up their game by ensuring fair play in the politics of the state as the wish and rights of the people to freely associate can never be suppressed by any force.
“The party will also continue to engage the Alia administration to end the killings of our people by herdsmen who seem to be having an easy ride in their quest to conquer the Benue valley under the current leadership in Benue State.”
