Benue tribunal: Outrage over Alia’s visit to Court of Appeal President

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state has raised concerns over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s presence at a one-year remembrance Mass in honor of late Prince Paeke Shepnaan, the son of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, in Plateau State.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by the State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, the PDP expressed suspicion about Governor Alia’s attendance, considering his pending case at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Makurdi.

The statement read, “PDP is aware that the President of the Court of Appeal appoints the Judges who sit on the various election petition tribunals, and while the party has no reason to doubt the integrity of the President and those Judges, the same cannot be said of the Benue State Governor.”

The PDP warned Governor Alia against any actions that could interfere with the course of justice at the Benue State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, and urged him to focus on addressing the security challenges faced by the state, rather than engaging in activities that might cast doubts on the judiciary’s independence.

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, described the PDP’s outburst as shameful and urged the party to refrain from attacking the judiciary. He emphasized that the APC-led administration in Benue state has respected the judiciary’s independence regarding electoral matters.

The memorial service attended by Governor Alia was a solemn occasion with prominent Nigerians, including governors, former governors, and senators present, and it was also attended by representatives from various governors’ forums.