A fresh political storm has erupted in Benue State as allies of former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), accused Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of attempting to criminalise dissent instead of addressing worsening insecurity across the state.
In a strongly worded statement by the Aondoakaa’s camp and signed by James Ian, Media Assistant to Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN described as “desperate and reckless” a recent response by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, alleging that the state government was deflecting attention from its inability to safeguard lives and property by targeting perceived political opponents.
The statement argued that the government’s reaction amounted to “a public confession” of failure, stressing that rather than confront the security crisis, the administration had resorted to chasing “imaginary enemies” and searching for scapegoats.
It lamented that communities across Benue continue to suffer repeated attacks, with farmers displaced and residents killed, while the government allegedly treats criticism as a greater threat than the violence itself.
Defending Aondoakaa’s comments on the security situation, the statement maintained that the former minister merely exercised his constitutional right to demand accountability from those entrusted with the safety of citizens and who receive substantial security votes.
“In every functioning democracy, governments are held accountable for their performance. That is not politicisation; it is the essence of democratic governance,” the statement said.
The group further criticised what it described as attempts to link legitimate criticism to violence, warning that such claims were not only irresponsible but also dangerous to democratic norms.
It challenged the state government to present credible evidence to appropriate authorities if it had any case against Aondoakaa or other critics, rather than resorting to what it termed “media trials and political propaganda.”
According to the statement, no amount of political rhetoric can mask the grim realities faced by residents, noting that communities remain vulnerable despite claims by the government that it has strengthened logistics, intelligence and coordination for security agencies.
“If these measures are effective, why do attacks persist with alarming frequency? Why are communities still overrun, and why are thousands unable to return to their ancestral homes?” it queried.
The statement also faulted suggestions that opposition figures should be investigated for criticising government performance, describing such a stance as alien to constitutional democracy and a threat to free expression.
Aondoakaa’s camp insisted that intimidation would not silence dissent, declaring that the former minister would continue to speak on behalf of displaced farmers, grieving families and affected communities.
It urged the Alia administration to redirect its focus from political disputes to concrete actions capable of ending the cycle of violence that has plagued the state.
The group concluded that governance must prioritise the protection of lives, warning that continued politicisation of insecurity risks deepening public frustration and eroding trust in leadership.
Ends
