From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia has described as malicious, a report circulating in a section of the media suggesting his defection to African Democratic Congress, ADC, insisting that it is not only false, but fabricated.
The governor in a statement yesterday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the narrative as a wicked and vicious smear campaign aimed at distracting his administration’s focus on good governance, as well as deceive the presidency for selfish political gain.
He said visiting leaders and elder statesmen is part of his inclusive leadership style and should not be misconstrued as signs of defection, arguing that as a governor with a liberal vision for development, he reserves the right to visit any elder statesman, as well as embrace all, especially leaders of Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s calibre.
The governor noted that he had been instrumental in strengthening the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue with opposition structures collapsing daily into the ruling party.
Alia reiterated the commitment of his administration to build a united and dominant APC in Benue State, restating his preparedness to engage even the fiercest political opponent to achieve this goal.
The governor urged the general public to disregard the story in circulation, which is a deliberate attempt to sow confusion and undermine the growing strength of Benue APC.
