A Fiery Accusation: Agbese Blames Governor Alia for Benue's Unrest
Lawmaker Accuses Governor Alia of Overlooking Anti-Grazing Law, Implicating Him in Benue Killings
Philip Agbese, the fiery deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, has squarely laid the blame for the recent wave of violence in Benue State at the feet of Governor Hyacinth Alia. Speaking to Punch, Agbese argued that Alia had effectively abandoned the state's anti-open grazing law, a decision he believes has contributed to the rise in civilian deaths.
"The governor has turned a blind eye to the law that was put in place to protect our people," Agbese declared. "It's no coincidence that these acts of violence have surged since he decided to disregard the law."
Of particular concern is the string of attacks in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, which have claimed at least 56 lives over a matter of three weeks. Agbese slammed the governor for initially dismissing the crisis, accusing him of downplaying the severity of the situation and failing to take decisive action.
Agbese's words come as part of a broader, urgent call from the House of Representatives to address the nation's growing security challenges. Flanked by fellow representatives, Agbese reiterated the House's commitment to challenging all forms of criminality, pledging to speak out against the senseless killing of defenceless Nigerians and the terrifying destruction of their property.
"The lives of every Nigerian are important to us, as the House," Agbese asserted. "We're fed up with the endless moments of silence in honor of the dead. We want action, not just words."
A Looming Confrontation
In light of Agbese's accusations and the House's demands, Governor Alia has been summoned to appear before the House Committee on Public Petitions. If he fails to show, consequences may follow, though Agbese remained guarded about the specifics when queried.
"I'd rather we don't speculate on consequences just yet," Agbese said. "What we want is for the governor to take responsibility for the situation in Benue and appear before the committee as requested. Thursday is not today, and I sincerely hope he will be here."
Gunmen Attack Commercial Vehicle in Benue, Kill Driver, Kidnap Passengers(Nations Time)
Nigeria Will Not Bow - Tinubu Tells Terrorist Gangs(The Guardian)
Representatives Invite Zamfara, Benue Governors, State Assembly Leaders for Crucial Meeting(Daily Independent)
PDP Seeks Immediate Recall of Suspended Benue Lawmakers(Vanguard)
Emenari Assumes Office as New Commissioner of Police in Benue State(Prime Times)
Insecurity: Tinubu Is a Full-Fledged Mascot of Leadership Failure - Adebayo(Premium Times)
- The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of neglecting the anti-open grazing law in Benue State, which Agbese believes has led to a rise in civilian deaths.
- The House of Representatives has called for urgent action to address the growing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, where a series of attacks have recently occurred.
- In a related development, gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle in Benue, resulting in the death of the driver and the kidnap of passengers, as reported by Nations Time.
- As the nation grapples with insecurity, the PDP has called for the immediate recall of suspended Benue lawmakers, according to Vanguard.
- In a separate development, Emenari has assumed office as the new Commissioner of Police in Benue State, as reported by Prime Times.
- The national political landscape is heated, with political figures such as Tinubu expressing defiance against terrorist gangs (The Guardian) and critics labeling him a symbol of leadership failure in the face of insecurity (Premium Times).
