February 22, (THEWILL) – The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Elders’ Forum has reaffirmed its confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, commending his leadership for its strides in improving the lives of citizens and advancing the state’s development.
The Forum also threw its weight behind the Benue State House of Assembly’s decision to remove the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, over allegations of abuse of office and financial mismanagement.
Speaking at a media briefing in Makurdi on Saturday, the Forum’s Chairman, Barnabas Gemade, alongside former Senate President Ameh Ebute and other party elders, reiterated their unwavering support for the governor.
“We urge our Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to remain steadfast in his development agenda despite distractions from detractors whose interests do not align with the progress of Benue State,” Gemade said.
The Forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for staying true to his Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that Benue State, which overwhelmingly voted for Alia and Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, remains poised to reaffirm its support in 2027.
Gemade explained that after carefully reviewing the circumstances surrounding Justice Ikpambese’s removal, the Forum was convinced that the Assembly acted within the legal framework provided by Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“We stand in solidarity with the Assembly on this decision, especially given the gravity of the allegations, including the mismanagement of N666,984,687.20 in less than a year and the blatant abuse of office, such as granting an unlawful waiver on Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law, which was duly passed by the House and assented to by the governor,” he stated.
The Forum further praised the Assembly for disciplining members who attempted to discredit the legislature’s decision after voting in favor of the Chief Judge’s removal.
The APC elders dismissed a motion sponsored by Senator Abba Moro, calling on the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the Benue State legislature, describing it as “misguided and baseless.”
According to Gemade, “The constitutional provision under Section 11(4) allows the National Assembly to take over a state assembly’s functions only when it is unable to perform its duties due to an emergency. Section 11(5) explicitly defines such inability as when the House cannot hold meetings or conduct legislative business.
“However, the Benue State House of Assembly has a functioning leadership, a full quorum, and has been actively carrying out its constitutional duties.”
The Forum also accused Moro, a Peoples Democratic Party senator, of hypocrisy, wondering why he had turned a blind eye to the crisis in Rivers State, where the PDP-led government recognises a faction of just three lawmakers in a House of 32 members.
“As elders of this state, we urge Sen. Moro to focus on providing quality representation to his constituents rather than desperately attempting to destabilize a performing APC-led government in his home state,” Gemade added.
The Benue APC Elders’ Forum urged all stakeholders to prioritise unity and constructive engagement rather than seeking to undermine the government’s progress.
“Benue has suffered from years of stagnation, but with the current administration, there is a clear trajectory of development. The APC Elders’ Forum remains committed to ensuring that this progress is sustained,” the statement concluded.
