"A Grave Situation": Benue Lawmaker Accuses Governor of Sabotaging Key Projects in Constituency

• Honourable Philip Agbese accuses Governor Hyacinth Alia of obstructing federal projects, including schools and health centers, in his constituency
• Agbese claims the governor conspired to loot farm implements and intimidate contractors working on development projects
• The lawmaker has appealed to President Tinubu to intervene, accusing Alia of undermining the Renewed Hope Agenda in Benue State

A rift between two political heavyweights in Benue State has taken a new turn, as Honourable Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of obstructing developmental projects in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, and other key officials, Agbese alleged deliberate frustration of his efforts to uplift his constituency.

The letter, dated November 22, 2024, detailed claims of project interference and resource mismanagement.

“Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I bring to your urgent attention a grave situation that is unfolding in my constituency,” Agbese wrote.

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He accused Governor Alia of targeting projects initiated under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including a Special Needs School, upgrades to a Primary Health Centre, and the renovation of a sports stadium.

The lawmaker further alleged the looting of farm implements meant for local farmers.

“Some time ago, we received farming implements from the Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna for distribution. However, Governor Alia, in collusion with local officials, secretly carted away the items overnight,” he claimed, adding that reports to law enforcement have yielded no action.

Highlighting the governor’s alleged inaction, Agbese remarked, “In 18 months, the only thing Governor Alia has done in my constituency is the donation of a transformer to Okpoga, the local government headquarters.”

Agbese described his contributions to Governor Alia’s election campaign, expressing frustration at the perceived betrayal:

“I financially supported his campaign from the moment he became our party’s candidate until his election victory. I sought no personal favors, yet his hostility towards me and my constituency is both surprising and distressing,” he lamented.

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The lawmaker called on President Tinubu to intervene, arguing that the governor’s actions threaten the administration’s development agenda.

Governor Alia has yet to respond to these allegations, but political observers note the deepening divide between the two leaders could impact governance in Benue State.

Nigerian Gov Approves N75,000 New Minimum Wage

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue had made a significant move to improve the lives of workers in the state by approving a minimum wage of N75,000, exceeding the president's approved sum of N70,000.

In a statement, Tersoo Kula, the governor's chief press secretary, said Alia reached the decision after meeting with members of the organised labour at the State Secretariat in Makurdi on Monday, November 18.

Source: Legit.ng