In a recent political maneuver, Governor Hyacinth Alia has intensified his campaign against members of the Benue State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume. The latest target in this political drama is Hon. Samuel Agada Awuchi, the representative of the Ogbadibo State Constituency.

Tensions flared when the Governor's administration unsuccessfully attempted to cancel a fundraising event in honor of the SGF at NKST Mbawa in Daudu, Governor Alia had promised to help complete the church during campaigns a promise he's become adamant to and has thus become excessively embarrassed learning that the church leadership has called for a fundraising event in honour of the SGF for the completion of the church.

Later that evening, Hon. Samuel Agada Awuchi was detained under controversial circumstances. Responding to a call from his younger siblings, who had been arrested on the spot in the process of purchasing steak meat, Hon. Agada Awuchi found himself similarly detained, with no regard for his legislative status, as an elected lawmaker and representative of the people.

Since his arrest, Hon. Agada Awuchi has been denied phone calls and any form of communication, rendering his whereabouts unknown to concerned parties. Efforts to secure his release since his whereabout became known on account of self recognition have been fruitless, with no official explanation provided for his detention.

The friction between Hon. Agada Awuchi and Governor Alia reached a boiling point when Awuchi vocally opposed and mobilized his pro-SGF colleagues in the House of Assembly to vote against the assembly's application to join as an interested party in the Supreme Court suit involving the Federal Government and State Governors on issues of local government autonomy. This defiance further incensed Governor Alia, who is tittle tattled to have ab initio instructed they vote in affirmation leading to heightened tensions.

Adding to the controversy, several of Governor Alia's close associates were seen holding meetings at the Police headquarters, seemingly to obstruct Hon. Agada Awuchi’s release. Notably, Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, a prominent ally of Governor Alia, was observed taking humiliating photographs of Hon. Agada Awuchi in police custody and disseminating them on social media. This act has sparked outrage and raised questions about the professionalism and impartiality of the Nigerian Police Force.

Governor Alia’s relentless pursuit to denigrate the SGF and his allies has taken a disturbing turn, leaving citizens aghast at the pettiness and vindictiveness displayed by the administration. The blatant misuse of power to harass and embarrass elected representatives reflects a deeper, more troubling disdain for democratic principles and the rule of law. As this toxic political vendetta unfolds, it is clear that Governor Alia's actions are not just a personal grudge but an assault on the very fabric of governance in Benue State. The public is left to wonder how far this administration will go in its reckless quest for dominance.

- Dr. Gwebe Nanen Donald
Publi Affairs Analyst