The Coalition of Patriotic Nigerians and Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Benue State has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action against Governor Hyacinth Alia, for allegedly undermining local governments in the state.
The coalition expressed deep concern over Governor Alia’s actions, describing them as a “direct affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”
In a letter co-signed by coordinators Andrew Longyem and Oliver Omenka, the coalition urged President Tinubu to address Governor Alia’s subversion of local governance.
The letter reads in part, “We are shocked and dismayed by Governor Alia’s blatant disregard for the judiciary’s decision and his subsequent usurping of the powers of local governments.
“This is a clear violation of the constitutional framework and a threat to democratic governance in Nigeria.”
Recall that the Supreme Court had ruled on July 11, 2024, that the Federal Government should pay local government funds directly to the exclusive accounts of the 774 local governments in the country.
However, the coalition accused Governor Alia of defying this ruling by directing caretaker chairmen to secretly inaugurate their committee members, a move described as “a severe violation of the country’s constitutional framework.”
“Governor Alia’s actions are a brazen display of despotism and corruption,” the letter continued.
“He has truncated the lawful tenure of local government administrations in the state, replaced them with caretaker committees, and now seeks to control the affairs of local governments through illegitimate means.
This is a dangerous precedent that could embolden other state governors to similarly disregard court decisions and concentrate power in their hands.”
The coalition urged President Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Governor Alia’s alleged diversion of over N60 billion belonging to the 23 local governments of Benue State.
“We implore Mr. President to take decisive action to prevent further subversion of democratic institutions in Benue State.
“The Federal Government must swiftly intervene to enforce the Supreme Court judgment and ensure that allocations meant for local governments are paid directly to their bank accounts as mandated by the apex court,” the letter added.
The letter was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the National Security Adviser, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chairman of the EFCC, and the Chairman of the ICPC.
Stop Alia from suppressing Benue LG, using caretaker chairmen – Coalition tells Tinubu