In a decisive move to prioritize the safety and security of the state, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the immediate suspension of the delegate primary election for the Guma 1 State Constituency. The decision was announced at a press conference held at the Old Banquet hall of the Government House, Makurdi, on Saturday 6th January, 2024.
Governor Alia underscored the paramount importance of state security in his address, emphasizing that the volatile nature of Guma local government necessitated the suspension. Citing misconduct during the primary election, which posed threats and insecurity in the area, the governor expressed concern that allowing the exercise to continue could escalate violence not only in Guma but across the entire state.
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The governor expressed regret over the disruption caused by certain politicians who, despite not being from the local government, attempted to hijack the process at the Avine Agbom Hotel in Daudu. This interference led to heightened tensions and emotional reactions among the youth in the area.
Governor Alia, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, asserted the need for immediate intervention to prevent the escalation of tensions into a serious security challenge. Given the vulnerability of Guma local government in terms of insecurity, he deemed it necessary to suspend the delegate primaries to maintain peace and harmony in the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to absolute peace in the state, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes. He entrusted the National Working Committee of the party to ensure the right actions are taken, particularly in Guma local government, a region too fragile for anything less than peace.
In attendance at the press conference were key figures in the state’s security apparatus, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr. George Chukwu, the State Commandant of Operation Whirl stroke, Major General Sunday, the Commandant, 401 Special Force Base, Rabiu A, and the Director of DSS in the State, Jonathan Kwe. The collective presence underscored the unified call for peace and stability in Guma local government and the state as a whole.
Governor Alia’s decisive action reflects the commitment of the state government to maintaining a secure environment for its residents. As the suspension takes effect, attention turns to the collaborative efforts of security agencies and the party’s National Working Committee to ensure a peaceful resolution in Guma local government and prevent further disruptions to the democratic process. Sir Tersoo Kula (MNIPR), Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, concluded the press conference, conveying the governor’s unwavering dedication to the well-being and security of the people.
