A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s senatorial candidate for Benue South in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has expressed shock and disappointment over the recent remark made by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, over the state of insecurity in the state.
Akpabio had said silence of the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on the recent killing of over 50 persons in some Benue communities by armed invaders, was indicative of the governor’s nonchalance about insecurity in the state.
Akpabio, while ruling at the senate’s plenary last week on a motion moved by the senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Emmanuel Udende (APC), stated, amongst others, that, “I believe the governor of Benue State, whose primary responsibility is to use security votes to ensure the security of life and property in the state, is also listening.”
But in a statement issued on Sunday, Onjeh cautioned the Senate President not to allow himself to be dragged into the dirty politics of Benue State by the Benue National Assembly Caucus headed by the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro.
Onjeh, therefore, suggested the need for all patriotic Nigerians to forge a common front in order for the nation to win the war on terror, rather than promoting division amongst citizens.
”We can take a cue from Israel, whose citizens were more divided before its ongoing war on Gaza, than they had ever been in the country’s history. But the current Prime Minister had to make worthy compromises, including extending the olive branch to the opposition. The result is that the Israelites are currently united in their quest to defeat the terrorist group, Hamas,” stated Onjeh.
“Therefore, the senate cannot bemoan Fr. Alia on account of him not rushing to the press to condemn the recent killings or to blame it on any ethnic group.
Akpabio, Onjeh advised, should have sought to meet with Governor Alia or invited him to discuss the situation in Benue State, instead of making incendiary remarks without giving the governor a fair hearing.
“The political crisis in Benue is not hidden; everyone knows about it. Since Benue State NASS Caucus members have been taking adversarial positions against their governor, the attention of the Senate President should have been drawn to the issue.
“The political crisis in Benue is not hidden; everyone knows about it. Since Benue State NASS Caucus members have been taking adversarial positions against their governor, the attention of the Senate President should have been drawn to the issue.”
He said he appreciated the fact that the senate had also charged the security agencies to do more, and mentioned that resources are being provided to them to safeguard lives and properties, hence, it is imperative for the senate to intensify its efforts in that regard.
