Insecurity in Benue: Gov Alia under fire

Mr. Terver Akase, former Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to former Governor Samuel Ortom, criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for characterizing the former Governor’s efforts to ensure the security of lives and property in the state as political gimmicks. This exchange occurred following a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, Mr. Tersoo Kula, regarding security efforts during the Ortom administration.

Akase highlighted a previous statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, who had claimed that Governor Alia remained silent over armed herdsmen attacks in the state. Akase challenged the current Governor’s credentials on security matters.

In response to Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary’s assertion that the security measures employed by the former Governor did not yield results, Akase defended Ortom’s actions, citing tangible achievements and proactive steps taken during his tenure to address insecurity.

Akase questioned the adequacy of Governor Alia’s response, pointing out the absence of a Special Adviser on security and the failure to constitute the State Security Council. He further criticized Governor Alia’s approach to addressing the security crisis, emphasizing the need for concrete actions rather than media posturing.

“When Benue people came under heavy attacks from armed herdsmen at the beginning of 2018, Governor Ortom demonstrated rare qualities of a leader who truly loves and cares for his people, a sharp contrast to Governor Alia who tells the nation that Benue is in peace when in reality, the state is witnessing the worst time in its history, regarding security.

“The Ortom administration also effectively managed the humanitarian crisis arising from the attacks by caring for thousands of people living in internally displaced persons camps (IDP). Today, no week passes without the displaced persons coming out of the camps to protest against their abandonment by the Alia administration.

“Governor Ortom always carried Benue people along in decisions of his administration by holding stakeholders meetings to brief the people. This fact was often attested to by the stakeholders at different times.

“Governor Ortom’s media appearances as they affected security were not without merit. Through his campaign against open grazing, the entire country soon embraced ranching and most parts of Nigeria enacted laws to prohibit open grazing of livestock.

“Governor Alia and his aides should drop their obsession with Chief Ortom and face governance, except he plans to include the name of his predecessor in his scorecard.”

He challenged Governor Alia to list the measures he has taken to protect Benue people and expressed concerns about the alarming state of security and frequent attacks in the region. Akase called for a focus on governance and practical solutions to address the security challenges facing the state