The Coalition of Patriotic Nigerians and the Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Benue State have urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene against Governor Hyacinth Alia's alleged subversion of local governments.
In a letter co-signed by coordinators Andrew Longyem and Oliver Omenka, the groups expressed their deep concern, labeling Governor Alia’s actions as a "direct affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law."
"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," the letter stated. "This is a clear violation of the constitutional framework and a threat to democratic governance in Nigeria."
The Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that the Federal Government should pay local government funds directly to the exclusive accounts of the 774 local governments. However, Governor Alia allegedly defied this ruling by instructing caretaker chairmen to inaugurate their committees in secret, which the groups condemned as a severe constitutional violation.
"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 local government affairs through illegitimate means."
The groups 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.
The letter implored President Tinubu 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," it stated.
The groups praised President Tinubu for his efforts in restoring local government autonomy and urged immediate action to address the situation. "Failure to do so will only embolden Governor Alia's impunity and undermine the foundations of democracy in Nigeria," they warned.
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.
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