Benue: Ex-LG chairmen reject petition against Gov Alia, says  no room for political duplicity

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The former local government council chairmen in Benue State under the canopy of Benue Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen (BAFELCC) have rejected a petition  written against governor Hyacinth  Alia.

The group emphasized that  the petition is politically motivated and targeted at thwarting  Alia’s re-election in the forthcoming 2027 election.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the NUJ Secretariat, Makurdi, the former  council chairmen stated that the petition dated February 27, 2026, and

addressed to the Catholic Bishops of Gboko, Otukpo, Makurdi, and Katsina-Ala, was authored by individuals allegedly pursuing governorship ambitions rather than raising genuine concerns.

It would be recalled some individuals including  Godwin Ityoachimin,  Joseph Waya, Dominic Ucha, Paul Angya,  Denis Ityavyar, and Terhemba Shija, under the  auspices of a coalition of gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area,.

They had petitioned the Catholic Bishops in the state, accusing governor Alia of using “church spaces and religious services as platforms for political intimidation and threats of physical violence.

‎Speaking on behalf of the former elected chairmen in the State, former Vandeikyaa Local Government chairman, Stephen Manta, intimated that the petition was not only misleading and exaggerated, but a calculated act of political desperation aimed at dragging the Church into partisan politics and discrediting the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia. 

‎They specifically rejected claims relating to remarks made by the governor during a thanksgiving ceremony at All Saints Catholic Church in Tsenge on January 18, 2026, insisting that the governor was quoted out of context as his expressions meant to convey resilience and vigilance rather than violence.

While we hold the Church in the highest esteem and respect its sacred role in society, we find it necessary to respond to the claims made in the petition in order to set the record straight and protect the integrity of both the Church and the government. 

“The petitioners have attempted to paint a picture of systematic desecration of sacred spaces. This is a gross misrepresentation. Governor Hyacinth Alia, himself a Reverend Father, understands deeply the sanctity of the altar and the spiritual significance of the Church.

.”His presence at church events, like that of many public office holders, is in response to invitations by the Church and the faithful. 

“We have not seen at any time anywhere that the Governor acted with the intention to desecrate or undermine the sanctity of worship. The allegations are clearly exaggerated to provoke public outrage and ecclesiastical backlash. 

“The claims regarding statements allegedly made at All Saints Catholic Church, Tsenge, have been deliberately taken out of context and sensationalized. As observers with a positive mind, we saw that: – 

“The Governor’s remarks were metaphorical and made within the context of encouraging resilience and self-defense against insecurity, not a literal call to violence. Political leaders often employ strong figurative language to communicate firmness in the face of threats; isolating such expressions and presenting them as incitement is both dishonest and mischievous. 

“There is no credible evidence that any act of violence has resulted from these remarks. To construe such statements as “desecration” is to stretch both logic and intent beyond reasonable limits.

“The petitioners’ attempt to weaponize Canon Law is not only inappropriate but also presumptuous. Interpretation and application of ecclesiastical law remain the exclusive preserve of Church authorities, not political aspirants seeking electoral advantage. 

“It is therefore improper for politicians to cloak their ambitions in theological arguments in order to manipulate public perception. 

 “The assertion of a “pattern” of misconduct is entirely speculative and unsupported by verifiable facts. Governor Alia’s engagements in churches across the state have largely been thanksgiving services. community interactions, and moments of shared faith. 

To recast these as platforms of intimidation is a deliberate distortion designed to create division between the government and the Church. 

“We reject the claim that worshippers fee] unsafe attending church services due to the Governor’s presence. On the contrary, Governor Alia’s administration has consistently prioritised peace, security, and the welfare of the people of Benue State. His message, when properly understood, has always been one of resilience, unity, and protection of lives and property”, the ex-elected said.

 The Benue Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen assured that they will continue to stand for truth, stability, and responsible political engagement,

adding that as leaders at the local level frequently in touch with and feeling the pulse of their people, they have resolved and are making it categorically clear that they will stand against any distraction to the state Government. 

“We will galvanize grassroots support for His Excellency Governor Hyacinth lormem Alia to carry on with the people oriented developmental projects and programmes he is executing. 

“We appreciate the 2023 governorship aspirants who, in recognition of the governor’s transformative leadership, have declared their support for his reelection bid. 

“We equally appreciate our colleagues from other political platforms who have offered their encouragement and support for this cause”.