ARE WE NO LONGER IN A DEMOCRACY IN BENUE STATE?
The people of Benue State woke up this morning (April 14, 2025) to a strange and shocking declaration by Governor Hyacinth Alia, via a press statement from his Chief Press Secretary, banning all visits by any groups or high-profile individuals to the state until such public figures obtain permission from him, the Governor.
Governor Alia’s press statement went on to threaten that anyone who visits the state without his approval would face dire consequences:
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.”
In the same statement, the Governor proclaimed a ban on all visits by groups and individuals to the camps housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the state.
This approach by Governor Alia is not only undemocratic and unconstitutional but also a manifestation of dictatorship! Nigeria is practicing democracy, not authoritarianism. No governor has the right to prohibit the movement of citizens into his state.
The 1999 Nigerian Constitution explicitly states in Section 41(1) that: “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry or exit therefrom.”
Is Governor Alia implying that his government has abandoned the Constitution of the country and is operating on executive orders?
This is a governor who, only a few days ago, was frantically quoting the ECOWAS Protocol on transhumance to defend the free movement of Fulani herdsmen who come with their cows and kill innocent Benue people. The Governor literally became the spokesman for the Fulani and their cattle, justifying why they must be allowed to enter the state freely and move about without restriction.
The most bizarre part of Governor Alia’s press statement today is the ban on visits to IDPs who have been suffering in the camps since Alia came to power. We read in the papers yesterday a report that quoted the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior, who stated that the IDPs have been lamenting that they have been neglected by the current government, as supplies to them have been cut off.
This situation means that Governor Alia is not taking care of the Benue IDPs, and he also doesn’t want people with a humane disposition to visit them. What is Alia afraid of? Is he afraid that if other Nigerians visit the IDP camps, they will learn the truth about the unfortunate situation of the displaced persons, which sharply contrasts with the governor’s recent claims?
The Benue IDPs have indeed been crying out for help because the Alia government has abandoned them. We reliably understand that 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi is the one who has felt compassion towards the Benue IDPs and has indicated interest to visit the state and donate to the victims. Governor Alia is said to be worried that Obi’s visit will put him under pressure.
If the governor cares about the situation of the IDPs, should he not be happy that Nigerians of goodwill are willing to visit and donate relief materials to the affected people?
Governor Alia promised during the campaigns for 2023 election that he would return the IDPs to their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office. Are the first 100 days not yet over?
We strongly condemn Governor Alia’s decision to forcibly stop other law-abiding citizens from entering our state. He has no constitutional authority to do so.
We also condemn the governor’s prohibition of visits to the IDP camps. Our loved ones who are languishing in the camps deserve care, and if the Alia administration is refusing to cater to them, the governor should allow those who intend to show compassion and care for the displaced people to do so.
Lastly, Governor Alia must remember that he was elected as a democratic governor. He didn’t ascend to power as a dictator. He must therefore refrain from making decisions and taking actions that could inflame the polity and lead to avoidable crises.
The governor has been proving everyday that his new name ‘Kwagh Hemba’ is apt.
Signed:
Dennis Agema
President
Network for Transparent Governance (NTG)
Oliver Omenka
Secretary General
