Group Defends Governor Alia Against Aspirants' Petition

The Kunav Progress Academy, led by Professor Daniel Chile, publicly rejected a petition filed against Benue State Governor Rev. Fr.

Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia by six governorship aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area.

The petition, dated February 27, 2026, accused Governor Alia of misusing religious platforms for political purposes. The group criticized the petitioners for lacking moral credibility and described their actions as politically motivated.

They argued that the petition was carefully scripted to disguise political grievances as religious complaints, specifically referencing Alia's remarks made on January 18, 2026. The academy pointed out the petition's hypocrisy, citing the petitioners' poor leadership records during their previous tenures.

They highlighted Governor Alia's achievements, including the construction of 570 km of roads, the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, and improvements in healthcare delivery. The group urged the Catholic Bishop to treat the petition with caution and warned against politicizing the church.