The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has raised concerns about alleged schemes by state government agents to orchestrate a protest against President Bola Tinubu. The purported motive behind this protest, according to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Daniel Ihomun, is to impede the cessation of funds to local governments with undemocratic structures in Benue and other states across Nigeria.
Ihomun highlighted that the intended protest aims not only at President Tinubu but also at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the Senate plenary that passed the resolution, and Sen. Dr. George Akume, the APC Leader in Benue. Akume has been subject to unfounded allegations in the state by certain instigators.
He revealed that this plan was substantiated by initial attempts, such as the call for the resignation of the State Party Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, without a valid cause, marking an experimental phase of this alleged subversive agenda.
The APC in Benue views these actions as detrimental to the unity of both the state and the party. Ihomun stressed that undermining the President, the Senate President, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in an open protest, particularly by individuals purportedly affiliated with the APC and operating within an APC-led state government, raises serious concerns.
While acknowledging the right to expression, Ihomun emphasized that actions capable of embarrassing the President and his administration are unacceptable and must be curtailed.
In response, the party called upon the Inspector General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police to closely monitor the planned protest. They expressed concern that what may appear as a solidarity march might harbor ulterior motives detrimental to government operations and national stability.
Ihomun urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to monitor closely any elements exploiting his administration’s name to perpetrate actions potentially leading to chaos within the state. The party also urged heightened vigilance among security agencies in Benue to avert any disruptive developments.
