The internal crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress in Benue State was again evident as factions aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, produced parallel state executives of the party.
A mammoth crowd supporting the SGF faction on Tuesday gathered at Eunice Resort along Ankpa road, Makurdi, where they returned the Austin Agada-led state working committee in the non-elective congress.
The congress was attended by APC stakeholders, such as the Second Republic Senator Jack Gyado, former Minister of State for Health Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, and a serving Senator, Titus Zam, among others.
The congress was monitored by a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Also, the faction belonging to the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, held their state congress at IBB Square, Makurdi.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Austin Agada, loyal to Akume, thanked the supporters for the peaceful conduct of the congress and for the opportunity to have his executive serve again.
He said, “In 2022, when you gave us the mandate to lead you, we assured you that the APC, which was then the opposition party, would be brought to power, which we did.
“Throughout, you did not betray us despite your suffering to build this party, and now that you have renewed our tenure, we will not disappoint you.
“We will stand on the unity of the party as laid down by our leader, the SGF, and we will work hard to ensure the return of our president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as those who are on our side.”
Speaking earlier, Senator Titus Zam, who commended the members’ support, promised that the faction would work for the reelection of the president and the members of the national assembly.
Regarding the governor, we are still consulting and will let the people know at the appropriate time.
Meanwhile, the newly elected chairman, Benjamin Omale of Governor Alia’s faction, appreciated the Benue APC for electing him and his EXCO pledged to discharge their duties with utmost transparency, honesty and fairness.
Omale, who pledged continued loyalty to the APC, said the state would ensure a united APC in which all members would feel a sense of belonging. He also assured that the APC in Benue will work towards the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to consolidate on the good works they are doing.
Speaking at the congress, the state governor, Alia, said that the Benue congresses have been peaceful, credible and transparent and urged the people to continue to show the truth of who we are and who is in the party to bring growth and development and prepare the future of the state.
He congratulated the newly elected officials, urging them to see their elections as a call to service and to do so with great honesty. He thanked them for accepting to serve the Benue APC.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Ibrahim, for their unalloyed support for the APC nationwide, particularly in Benue State.
Alia stated that with the good wishes of the people, a new Benue is possible, pledging that Benue will continue to be a shining example of patriotic parstisans.
“We will continue to be transparent in whatever we are doing. We will continue to stand with the people of the state and form a formidable APC in the state,” the governor said.
Earlier, the chairman of Benue State APC Congress Planning Committee and member representing Ukum/Katsina-Ala/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, commended the state governor for organising a free, fair and credible ward and local government congress, saying the committee had put all modalities in place to produce credible party leadership in the state.
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