By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The All Progressive Congress, APC’s, Caretaker Committee set up by the National Working Committee of the party to stabilize the Benue State chapter, has gotten another six months extension of tenure.
Letters extending the Caretaker Committee’s legitimacy in the state signed by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, indicates that the rift between the contending forces fighting for supremacy over the party in the state is far from an amicable solution.
The reappointment letters were presented to the Caretaker Committee members on Friday at the APC state secretariat, No. 75 JS Tarka way, Makurdi.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, expressed the Committee’s gratitude to the APC national leadership for its role in trying to stabilizing the Benue chapter of the party.
The Benue State’s Working Committee of the APC was deeply embroided in internal row which ultimately became an irreconcilable brawl in the state. The NWC of the party tried calling a truce between the factions alleged to have been loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and that loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia. The efforts could only result into a seve-man Caretaker Committee membered by nominees of the two factions.
Peeved by actions of the former Chairman, Hon. Austin Agada, who is alleged to be still parading himself as the State Chairman, Dr. Omale reminded that the Committee set up by the NWC is still incharge.
“Agada should desist from any attempts to impose himself”, warning that, “such actions may and could have adverse consequences”.
“APC under Governor Alia has been delivering on its mandate through infrastructural development, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and tackling insecurity in the state. Any attempts at destabilization will not be tolerated,” Omale said.
The reappointment, which came a week after the committee’s initial six-month tenure expired, was attended by several party stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Power, Transport, and Renewable Energy, Barr. Omale Omale, local council chairmen, women groups, and APC youth leaders led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organization and Illegal Levies, Hon. Terver Gbenda.
Reappointed members of the caretaker committee include Dr. Benjamin Omale as State Chairman, Prof. Bem Angwe as State Secretary, Hon. James Ornguga as State Organizing Secretary/Spokesperson, Hon. Mrs. Helen Agaigbe as State Woman Leader, Barr. Terhemen Ngbea as State Legal Adviser, Richard Mzungweve as State Youth Leader, and Barr. Francis Ali Adah as the State Financial Secretary.
