PDP Accuses Benue State Governor of Violating Rule of Law with Local Government Appointments

In a scathing accusation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for allegedly undermining the rule of law through the recent appointment of caretaker committees for local government areas.

The PDP, through its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Bemgba Iortyom (Vande-U-Mbaiwer), contends that the move lacks legal backing and raises doubts about the governor’s commitment to the promised autonomy for local government administration.

According to the PDP’s statement, the appointment of caretaker committees for all 23 local government councils was executed without the required enabling law from the Benue State House of Assembly.

The party claims that the heads of these committees bypassed mandatory legislative screening, thereby violating due process.

Contrary to Governor Alia’s campaign promises during the 2023 elections, where he pledged autonomy for the local government tier, the PDP asserts that his actions have been marked by a series of court orders upholding the tenure of previously elected councils being disregarded.

The PDP reminds the public that 23 council chairmen were elected on the party’s platform in the April 30, 2022 local council elections, with a sworn-in tenure set to expire on June 28, 2024. Despite court judgments, including one by Hon. Justice (Dr.) I. J. Essien, expressly prohibiting the dissolution of elected councils, Alia allegedly constituted a committee that recommended the swift suspension of the councils and their chairmen.

Chief Bemgba Iortyom accuses the governor of hypocrisy, alleging that his promise of autonomy was merely a tactic to secure votes during the elections.

In response to these alleged violations of existing court orders, the PDP calls on Governor Alia to reverse the appointment of caretaker committees, uphold the rule of law, and adhere to democratic principles in the state.