A controversy has erupted between Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and federal lawmaker, Terseer Ugbor, over the seizure of palliatives meant for Ugbor’s constituency. The governor’s office confiscated the relief materials, valued at over N5 million, citing concerns that they were being diverted to a private residence.
According to Governor Alia, an investigation was launched after receiving a tip that the palliatives were being diverted to a private residence along Gboko road. He explained that the materials, secured from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Jos, were not registered at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) office in Makurdi, as required.
The seized truck contained:
Food Items: 578 bags of rice, 578 bags of garri, 58 cartons of vegetable oil, 58 cartons of seasoning cubes, and 58 cartons of tomato paste
Non-Food Items: 578 mosquito nets, 578 mattresses, and 578 pieces of wax print
Lawmaker Ugbor denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had an agreement with NEMA to offload the materials at a warehouse in Makurdi pending distribution to beneficiaries in Jato Aka. He condemned the governor’s action, claiming it was politicized, and threatened to seek redress in court if the truck is not released by Tuesday.
Governor Alia has assured that the palliatives will be distributed to the people of Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency once the investigation is concluded. He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s support and interventions for the state.
