Indications are rife that litigants have secured about sixteen garnishee orders against the Benue State Government (BNSG), totaling over N14 billion since the advent of the administration of Reverend Fathe r Hyacinth Alia as Governor of the state.

DAILY INDEPENDENT gathered that the garnishee orders may have been influenced by some powerful personalities, in order to put a clog in the wheel of governance in the state.

Competent sources in the corridors of power within the state also alleged that the influencers may be acting in concert with a cross section of members of the judiciary to ensure that the orders are enforced in order to slow the progress of the Governor Alia, administration.

We also learned that piqued by the development, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, Convener, Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) has fingered the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume as the brain behind the plot to disrupt the progress of the state government.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, Dr Asambe said, “We convene today as the Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) to address critical developments witnessed during the first five months of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s tenure in Benue State.

“During this period, our scrutiny revealed several pressing issues that predate the lifespan of the Alia administration, albeit specific mention of key appointments and administrative decisions within the Alia administration.

“Today, there are clear indications that the judiciary has been properly infiltrated by forces bent on frustrating development in the state.

“The number of garnishee orders quickly procured by litigants in the very early days of the administration without the knowledge of the Governor is a clear pointer that the Judiciary is looking the other way to help the enemies of the state.”

Dr Asambe also alleged that, “Disturbingly, it has been brought to our attention that Senator Akume has recruited loyal members within the state assembly, each purportedly receiving a monthly payment of one million naira, with the apparent intention of undermining Governor Alia’s authority. This insidious plan hinges on coercing the Governor to surrender governance control to him.

“Additionally, we call upon Senator Akume to focus on his role as the SGF, and abstain from interfering in the internal affairs of Benue state to the extent of undermining the authority of the governor. We firmly believe that Benue should be a shared resource for all its citizens, and no individual or family should monopolize its opportunities.

“Now that Sen. Akume has found himself among the opportune few who decide the fate of Nigerians and the only Tiv man ever to be elevated to this height, we earnestly call upon him to embark on a path of genuine sacrifice for the betterment of our beloved state and its citizens. It is time to prioritize the collective well-being above personal interests and ambitions.”

Furthermore, the BAGG Convener alleged that “We gathered on good authority that the delay in appointment of heads of some very sensitive agencies, boards of agencies and parastatals is as a result of Sen. Akume’s usual pressure and suspicious demands for specific or choice positions for his cronies, especially, extended family members.

“We express our deep concern regarding the tumultuous early appointments, the delayed announcements of pivotal roles such as Commissioners and Advisers, and the inconsistent assignment of portfolios to these Advisers.

“Moreover, allegations have surfaced about external influences, most notably Senator George Akume, wielding significant power in these appointments and administrative matters.

“Furthermore, there are indications that Sen. Akume may have played a role in the removal of certain Advisers, initially sworn in but later not assigned portfolios, further complicating the administrative landscape.

“At a time when the safety and well-being of Benue state’s residents is threatened by marauding terrorists and their plight should take precedence, we find it disquieting that political maneuvering seems to overshadow addressing the urgent issues at hand.

“We urge Sen. George Akume to prioritize the safety and security of the people of Benue if he chooses to intervene in these matters and refrain from actions that could potentially disrupt the state’s governance.

“We pity Gov. Alia who is presently experiencing serious leadership internal heat but keeps pretending to the public that all is well.

“BAGG firmly reminds Governor Hyacinth Alia of the mandate entrusted to him and the corresponding responsibility associated with his office. We implore him to exhibit strong and independent leadership, resisting any enticement to cede his duties to external forces. The people of Benue State will not tolerate any deviation from this path, as we have seen in the past, Dr Asambe cautioned.

He however said, “In recognition of the unwavering resilience displayed by the majority who endure these hardships, we implore Sen Akume to jettison the idea of another fight with a third governor in succession and rather use his exalted office to influence developmental projects to the state to complement what Governor Hyacinth Alia may have to offer.

“Let him (Senator George Akume), and Governor Hyacinth Alia strive for a brighter future, one where the suffering of our people is finally alleviated.

“In conclusion, we appeal to all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and progress of Benue State. A unified and responsible approach to governance is the cornerstone of a prosperous Benue State built on the principles of good governance”, Dr Asambe implored the people of the state. (Daily Independent)