The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of colluding with his allies in Abuja to settle Fulani herdsmen on lands they displaced people from. The PDP has vowed to resist these alleged attempts by the governor. However, the governor's spokesperson has dismissed these claims as false and emphasized that the government's focus is on reconstructing homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state has raised serious allegations against Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of colluding with his allies in Abuja to settle Fulani herdsmen on lands they forcefully took from the people of Benue state. According to the party's statement signed by the state publicity secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, they "will resist with every lawful available means" any attempt by the governor to establish a Fulani colony within the state.
The PDP claims that the governor has played a significant role in the decision by the Federal government to include Benue as one of the states benefiting from a 1000 housing project. They argue that this planned housing project bears all the characteristics of a Fulani community and raises concerns about the intent behind it.
On the other hand, the Vice President's spokesperson, Kashim Shettima, has justified the establishment of these settlements within various states, including Benue, as part of the federal government's efforts to address the conflicts in the northern part of the country. The settlements are said to come equipped with facilities such as schools, clinics, veterinary clinics, and ranches for the Fulani community.
In response to these allegations, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, issued a statement vehemently denying the claims made by the PDP. The CPS urged the people of Benue state to disregard the allegations, stating that the government's primary focus is on rebuilding homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The CPS emphasized that the governor and the present administration are committed to the safe return of IDPs to their homes as soon as possible. Since many of their homes have been destroyed by marauding herders, the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has agreed to sponsor the construction of new homes for the IDPs. These homes are planned in cluster formats to promote closeness and stability among the community.
The governor's spokesperson reassured the people of Benue that the homes are intended for the displaced individuals and not for any colony. He emphasized the governor's commitment to the well-being of the people and his determination to prioritize their interests over anything else.
While the PDP vehemently opposes the alleged plans to establish a Fulani colony in Benue, the governor's camp strongly denies these allegations, emphasizing their focus on reconstructing homes for displaced persons. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what measures the state government will take to address the concerns raised by the opposition.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-12 News
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