The Coalition for Civil Society Organisations for Justice and Equity (CCSO-JE) has issued a fervent call to action directed at President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, urging immediate attention to the escalating crisis within the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Benue State.
In a recent development, the CCSO-JE has set a 7-day ultimatum for the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to address the political turmoil within the party. Failure to do so, the group warns, will result in mass action against the governor. Comr. Olayemi Success, the national convener of the coalition, emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging President Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene promptly before the crisis escalates further.
The coalition strongly criticized the removal of the state party chairman, Austin Agada, and his replacement by the governor’s unilateral decision, citing it as undemocratic and provocative, and against the APC constitution.
Expressing deep concern over the implications of the crisis, particularly in light of recent violence and its impact on both locals and non-locals, the CCSO-JE highlighted the disruptions to economic activities, including travel along federal roads within the state. They underscored Benue State’s significance as a major agricultural hub and expressed dismay at its current state of turmoil, which has severely affected farming activities and the production of essential food commodities for the nation.
The coalition stressed the urgency of restoring peace and unity in Benue State to prevent further deterioration of the national productivity. They condemned Governor Alia’s alleged undemocratic actions and dictatorial tendencies, holding him responsible for plunging the state into crisis.
With mounting concerns about the situation potentially spiraling into a full-blown national crisis, the CCSO-JE echoed the voices of its members nationwide, particularly from Benue State, calling for swift civil society intervention to avert a catastrophe. They warned of nationwide mobilization for a state of emergency in Benue if the governor fails to address the crisis within the stipulated timeframe.
The statement issued by the coalition serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to resolve the political turmoil gripping Benue State and restore stability to the region.