The member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency from Benue State, Terseer Ugbor, has tackled the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over palliative diversion allegations against him.
Ugbor, in a strongly-worded statement addressed to his constituents, said while he was away in the United States, he was informed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) approved another batch of palliatives for his constituency based on his requests for more intervention.
He noted that this was in addition to the initial batch seized and packed in the Benue State government house.
According to him, he was notified of the decision by Governor Alia to involve the ICPC and EFCC in a matter of “alleged palliative diversion that could be simply handled administratively by any responsible government who truly wishes well for its people.”
The reps Member noted that given this new development, he has instructed his lawyers to review the allegations to take appropriate action “to protect my hard-earned reputation and to put the records straight in court.”
The statement reads, “My decision to support the transportation, storage, and distribution of palliatives to displaced people in Kwande is not new or strange but has strangely offended the governor.
“The role of a legislator, aside from lawmaking and executive oversight, is to provide support in facilitating benefits to his or her people. Any other state government will thank me for my diligent effort in facilitating this huge relief materials to the state. Unfortunately, we live in strange times in Benue.
“The allegation that SEMA was not notified is premature because the seizure of the palliatives happened as soon as the palliatives arrived in the state and before any offloading, raising suspicion that this entire episode was premeditated for political reasons.
“The allegation that the palliatives were offloaded at a private residence is very malicious because the truck was parked in front of a popular warehouse in Makurdi, not a secret or hidden location anywhere.
“The decision to store the palliatives in the state capital until I’m back to personally supervise the distribution, and in view of the fact that Kwande does not have a large and secure enough warehouse to safely store such large palliatives is logical and sensible.”
Ugbor urged his constituents to remain steadfast and peaceful in the face of the current hardship and challenges in the state.