Benue: Alia giving juicy appointments to his Kunav kinsmen – PDP

The Benue State Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong disapproval of the recent key appointments made by Governor Hyacinth Alia, which they claim show favoritism toward his Kunav kinsmen from Vandeikya Local Government Area in Benue State.

In a statement distributed to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, the party conveyed its dissatisfaction with the recent appointments.

Mr. Iortyom stated, “Just this morning, the Governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, announced the appointment of another Kunav man, Raymond Asemakaha, as the Managing Director/CEO of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).”

He continued, “The appointment of Mr. Asemakaha at BIPC adds to the growing list of Kunav individuals heading various government bodies, such as the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which also has another Kunav individual overseeing the committee at the State Assembly that oversees it.”

The PDP in the state finds this development unacceptable, as it goes against the principles of the Federal Character, as enshrined in the constitution, which aims to ensure inclusivity of all parts of the state in positions of power and influence, particularly those mentioned above.

Mr. Iortyom emphasized, “While merit is an important factor in making appointments to key and sensitive positions, Benue State is rich in competent individuals from all its parts who are capable of filling these positions of public trust.”

He further stated, “The Governor’s preference for appointing mostly individuals from his Kunav clan to these influential public positions in his administration does not promote unity, harmony, and public partnership, which are essential for the progress of the state.”

The PDP urged Governor Alia to consider the wisdom of previous administrations, which did not concentrate power and influence in a single clan within the state.