Benue Group Defends Governor Alia Against Petition Claims

The Benue group, led by Stephen Manta, held a press conference at the NUJ House in Makurdi to address a petition submitted by gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area. They described the petition as misleading and an act of political desperation aimed at discrediting Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration.

The group accused the petitioners of attempting to drag the Catholic Church into partisan politics and insisted that Governor Alia, a Catholic priest, respects the sanctity of worship. They clarified that his comments regarding resilience against insecurity were metaphorical and not a literal call for violence.

The group condemned the petition as an attempt to create division between the government and the church and emphasized that Governor Alia prioritizes peace, security, and welfare. They also criticized the political opportunism of the aspirants, particularly those from the APC who allegedly attended a PDP caucus meeting.

The group pledged to mobilize grassroots support for Governor Alia's re-election bid.