The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has expressed concerns regarding Governor Hyacinth Alia’s appointment of two security advisers, fearing that it may lead to a power struggle in addressing the state’s security issues.
This information was conveyed in a statement issued to the press on Tuesday by the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom.
According to media reports, during a press conference that took place on Friday, November 3, 2023, following a meeting of stakeholders from Mbaivur and Mbasombo areas of the state at Government House Makurdi, a certain Joseph Har introduced himself to journalists as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs. Additionally, Joseph Har introduced another individual named Alexander Igbaya Ashungu, described as a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army, as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Strategic Liaison.
The PDP finds this development surprising and unacceptable, especially since the governor had not officially made such appointments despite the ultimatum issued to him by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The party recalls that on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Benue State House of Assembly, deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the state, gave Governor Alia a three-day ultimatum to appoint a Security Adviser to his office. This ultimatum highlighted the governor’s unexplained delay in appointing a Security Adviser, despite nearly six months in power, while the state faced serious security challenges, including issues related to herders’ attacks and banditry.
Iortyom pointed out that the governor disregarded the ultimatum from the state Assembly and has remained silent in response to it, despite concerns raised by various quarters, including the PDP.
The PDP once again reminds Governor Alia of his obligation to be transparent and accountable to the people, emphasizing that he should follow the correct procedures for appointing individuals to sensitive positions like that of Special Adviser on Security.
Iortyom emphasized that an Adviser is a public servant hired through lawful procedures specified by taxpayers who bear the cost of their remuneration and upkeep. Therefore, the public has the right to know who has been appointed to this role.
He called on Alia to comply with the law and follow the proper procedure for appointing a Security Adviser, making the appointment public through official government communication channels.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that a joint operation involving Nigerian military troops and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives resulted in the elimination of 52 terrorists and the apprehension of a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bauchi State.
The ISWAP leader was captured in a sting operation at Tarum, a village outside Bauchi Metropolis, as disclosed by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement on Friday.
While the DHQ did not disclose the name of the arrested ISWAP leader, it revealed that the individual held a significant role in the North Central and North West zones.
The military high command emphasized that targeting terrorist leadership is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of citizens, with ongoing operations consistently diminishing the fighting force and capacity of these groups.
Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that Nigerian Air Force airstrikes played a key role in destroying terrorist leaders’ enclaves in the North West and North Central zones in the past week.
The week’s operations resulted in the neutralization of 52 terrorists, the arrest of 204 individuals associated with terrorism, and the rescue of 234 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, in the South-South zone, troops recovered stolen crude oil and illegal refined products, destroyed various equipment and sites used for illegal activities, and seized a substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other items associated with criminal operations.
Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has expressed distress regarding the escalating violence against security personnel, particularly police officers, in the South East region.
The former Inspector General of Police highlighted the growing number of police officers’ wives becoming widows due to attacks by gunmen in the area. In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, Arase conveyed his apprehension during a courtesy visit by leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, in Abuja.
Arase emphasized that it’s essential to communicate to the assailants that the police are not their adversaries and have committed no wrongdoing. He lamented the loss of numerous serving officers in the South East, urging the perpetrators to recognize the police as friends and cease making widows out of officers’ wives, who are essentially their sisters.
Furthermore, Arase assured that the Commission has addressed the perceived marginalization of the South East in police representation nationwide.
Elder Onwu Arua, the leader of the Ohanaeze delegation, expressed concern about the lack of interest among people in the South East regarding the ongoing police recruitment exercise. He urged the Police Service Commission to devise strategies to address this issue.
On Friday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) alleged that Governor Peter Mba was facing pressure from “Aso Rock” to discredit the Supreme Court ahead of the judgment on its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, scheduled for December 15. IPOB based this claim on Mba’s characterization of the group as a proscribed organization, a statement he made after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
IPOB cautioned the governor against making a “costly mistake” by using the group’s name to gain favor from Tinubu’s administration. In a statement by Powerful, a spokesperson for IPOB, it was emphasized that Mba’s comments were deemed reckless and unguarded. The statement alleged that Mba, under pressure from the federal government, accused IPOB of being responsible for the sit-at-home protest and insecurity in the Southeast.
The statement pointed out that Mba had previously condemned Simon Ekpa, who was associated with the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home. IPOB expressed skepticism about the governor’s motives and suggested that his statements were influenced by the Tinubu administration.
IPOB urged the public to dismiss the governor’s remarks, describing him as a “cowardly governor” making unfounded accusations. The statement reminded Mba that IPOB is not easily intimidated and warned against attempting to use the group’s name for political advantage.
The statement concluded by calling on the Nigerian Supreme Court Justices not to succumb to blackmail, urging the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who was acquitted by the Court of Appeal. IPOB reiterated its commitment to the cause of self-determination and emphasized that the movement would not yield to blackmail or pressure.
