Rep’s member, Achado slams Gov Alia over closure of business premises in Benue

.,….. Calls on IGP, APC to intervene.

From Attah Ede,Makurdi 

The Member of House of Representatives for Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Austin Asema Achado, has slammed the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing it of unlawfully closing of business premises and sustained harassment on targeted APC members in the State.

 Achado, who stated this at a press conference press on Thursday in Makurdi, said the sealing of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank and other business centres owned by members of APC is emblematic of a broader issue threatening democratic principles, economic stability, and the rights of citizens in Benue State. 

He therefore called on the people of Benue State to advise Governor Hyacinth Alia to redress his policies that are detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state.

Recall that “on December 23, 2024, officials from the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside law enforcement agencies, forcibly entered and sealed the premises of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank.”

They also sealed Precious Event Center and Balcony Bar and Garden now named Club 2:30 among others all situated in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

But while  reacting to the development during the news briefing, Achado explained that the officials presented demand notices dated December 12 and 13, 2024, regarding business premises registration fees.

“Despite City Bay Park’s status as a government property, which arguably exempts it from such fees, the management of the park swiftly paid ₦20,000 for registration and ₦219,000 as default charges on the 23rd December, 2024  to avoid conflict. 

“Shockingly, after an additional ₦20,000 was demanded and paid to unseal City Bay Park, a more aggressive enforcement team arrived and resealed both premises. 

He said “This second operation was marked by excessive force, harassment, including the use of tear gas, which caused injuries and distress among customers, including children and the elderly some of which fainted, while others sustained serious injuries in the process.

“In City Bay Park, many indigenous people hold and operate businesses at the park. Many of the businesses are owned by people whom the Governor fondly calls the ‘masses’. Some of them purchased frozen fish and chicken and other perishable food items, preparatory for the Christmas, with most of the items sadly now rotten as a result of the forceful sealing of the park by the government.”

He said the action of the State Government was unlawful, barbaric, ill advised and not driven by pubic interest as the arbitrary and heavy-handed sealing of the business premises is executed without authorization from any competent court of law empowered to issue such an order.

Achado said the abrupt closure of the businesses has caused significant financial losses business owners within City Bay Park, while many have also experienced psychological trauma especially as weddings and other events which were scheduled to be held at the park were altered.

The federal lawmaker who stated that the actions are not only a gross abuse of power but also politically motivated alleged that, “Governor Alia’s administration has consistently threatened key APC stakeholders, including myself, who were instrumental in his election victory. This pattern of oppression raises serious concerns about his commitment to good governance.

“The actions of the governor suggest a calculated attempt to silence dissent and undermine our contributions to the state’s development.”

Achado appealed to the people of Benue State to advise Governor Alia to cease actions detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state, urging Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to ensure that the Police in Benue State are not used as tools of oppression and intimidation but for the maintenance of law and order.

The party chieftain also appealed to the National Leadership APC to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC leaders in Benue State.

Meanwhile some of the tenants at park who spoke to newsmen, including Suleiman Hassan, Shaaji Martha, Nexy and the park manager, Benedict Achado, lamented their huge losses demanding the government to pay them compensation.

The CEO of Nexy Unisex fashion, Next Josephine, said she slept at the police station yesterday, December 25, 2024 after disappointing a new bride whose wedding clothes and those of her bridal train she failed to deliver following the sealing of the premises.

She said “I have lost huge sums of money to the tune of over N5 million within the period from that business and others. I demand that we be compensated “

Miss Shaaji, who spoke on behalf of those selling perishable goods like fresh fish, meat, ice cream among others lamented that their goods have all perished leading to financial setback hence they need to source for money start all over again or repay the loans they took to make December sales.

She also called on the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to pay each of them N5 million compensation.

The Manager of City Bay Park, Benedict Achado said the park has about 24 vendors who sell fish, pepper soup among, photographers, CCTV and health operators and those in kiddies section.

Achado who stated that he committed huge personal resources to the victory of Governor Alia said “The Fr Alia that I personally know and worked for cannot do this. If he did so, it means something is wrong or somebody somewhere is pushing him. This is not an idea from the Governor of Benue state, he said.