The Benue North East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has strongly condemned the escalating insecurity ravaging communities across the state.
The party described the ongoing attacks and killings of innocent Benue citizens by armed herders as an existential threat, alleging a grand agenda to take over ancestral lands.
In a communiqué issued on Saturday and read by the Zonal Vice Chairman, Hon. Abraham Waroh, at the end of a meeting held in Lessel-Ushongo, PDP criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia over what it termed “his attitude towards issues of security.”
According to him, “The party demands urgent, decisive action from the Hyacinth Alia-led government to bring lasting peace and stability to our state.
“The party sympathises with victims of Fulani terrorist attacks in the state, many of whom have lost loved ones and thousands displaced.
“We reaffirm our unflinching support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, enacted through rigorous consultation and popular mandate by the previous administration led by His Excellency, Chief Samuel Ortom.
“This law remains the most effective and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, as far as the invasion of communities by Fulani terrorists is concerned.
“We call on the current government to uphold and enforce this law without compromise.
“We demand that Governor Alia fulfill his promise to return internally displaced persons, IDPs, to their ancestral homes. The governor is on record to have promised to return the IDPs to their ancestral lands within the first 100 days of his administration; however, two years into his tenure, the number of IDPs has tripled, and their plight remains unresolved.
“We call on Governor Alia to grant full Local Government Autonomy, allowing council chairmen access to their rightful funds from the federation account.”
The party further urged Governor Alia to allow local governments in the state to control their resources directly, in line with the Supreme Court judgement.
“The PDP Zone A publicly distances itself from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and any coalition activities and passed a resounding vote of confidence on Chief Samuel Ortom as Leader of the party in the state.
“We also reaffirm our support for Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, the state chairman, and the entire State Working Committee, recognising their dedication and leadership,” Waroh stated.
