Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, addressed the Senate on Friday, countering claims made by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro regarding the recent local government election in the state. Alia accused Moro of misrepresenting the electoral process, which Moro described as a “charade” and a “sham” during a Senate motion.
In a statement released by Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor emphasized that the election was conducted in accordance with democratic principles and consistent with existing electoral laws.
Alia asserted that Moro’s criticisms stemmed from personal grievances rather than any genuine concerns for democracy. He highlighted that the elections, managed by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), were widely regarded as credible and free from violence.
The governor pointed out that the actions of Moro and his colleagues appear to focus on discrediting his administration instead of tackling the issues faced by their constituents. He criticized the use of a video by Moro to back his claims, labeling it as an unfounded attempt to undermine the state government.
Furthermore, Alia urged Benue lawmakers to recognize the impact of their actions on their connection with voters. He called for a period of reflection, suggesting that a sincere apology and a commitment to serve the public interests could help restore their credibility.