The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has accused Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, of frustrating projects in his constituency.
The lawmaker, who is representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives, made the allegation in a letter he sent to President Bola Tinubu and copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He claimed that Alia was targeting his office and the various developmental projects spearheaded by them.
In the letter dated November 22, 2024, Agbese listed a number of projects in his constituency which were allegedly frustrated by the governor.
Parts of the letter reads, “Mr. President sir, it is with a heavy heart that I bring to your urgent attention a grave situation that is unfolding in my constituency.
“It is with great concern that I report the actions of Governor Hyacinth Alia, who appears to be targeting my office and the various developmental projects we are spearheading in the interest of the of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency with your uncommon leadership and strong support.”
The projects allegedly frustrated by the governor include – Special Needs School Project and Upgrade of Primary Health Centre, Renovation of Sports Stadium.
Agbese also accused the governor of looting farm implements he provided for farmers in his constituency.
The letter added, “Mr. President Sir, some time ago, we received farming implements from the Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna, which were meant to be distributed to farmers through my office. However, Governor Alia conspired with the local government chairman and the Divisional Police Officer of Okpokwu local government to secretly cart away all the items overnight.
“This incident was reported to the Inspector General of Police but no action has been taken to date.”
Agbese further accused the governor of marginalizing his constituency.
According to him, the only thing the governor has done in his constituency in the last 18 months is the donation of a transformer to the headquarters of the local government at Okpoga.
He stressed that only the Federal Government, through its agencies, has initiated projects in the constituency
Agbese said the federal projects in the constituency were a result of his efforts and those of Benue South senator, Comrade Abba Moro.
The lawmaker urged Tinubu to intervene by immediately calling Alia to order.
“Governor Alia has failed to execute any project in the three local governments that I represent. Instead, he chooses to use the Police to remove workers hired by contractors who are carrying out initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of your administration.
“His goal seems to be to exclude my constituents from development entirely. This is a blatant act of hostility towards a community that has done nothing wrong by supporting Fr. Alia.
“I have documented proof that I financially supported Governor Alia’s election campaign from the moment he was declared the party’s candidate in June 2022 until he won the election.
“Throughout this time, I never sought any personal favours or requested a meeting with him. I therefore find his hostility towards me both surprising and distressing.
“Mr. President, these actions by Governor Alia not only undermine my efforts to uplift my constituents but also reflect a broader disregard for the welfare of the people of Benue State. I humbly implore you to take immediate action to address these vicious acts.
“This is vital for the integrity of your administration’s agenda that such impediments to progress are dealt with decisively, Your Excellency sir. I appeal to you to advise the governor, as his current trajectory threatens to undermine the democratic progress that your administration is striving to achieve for our people,” the letter added.