Governor Hyacinth Alia Swiftly Reclaims Palliatives Allegedly Diverted by Lawmaker, Ensuring Fair Distribution

In a dramatic development, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has taken decisive action by seizing a truckload of palliatives allegedly diverted by Hon. Terseer Ugboh, the federal lawmaker representing Ushongo/Kwande Federal Constituency. The seized relief materials were destined for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue but were instead discovered at a private residence in Makurdi. The governor has handed over the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for investigation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed deep concern over the diversion of the palliatives and demanded a thorough investigation. The governor’s intervention has triggered widespread reactions across the state, with many calling for transparency and justice.

Seized Palliatives Linked to Federal Lawmaker Terseer Ugboh

The governor’s office revealed that the relief materials were meant for IDPs in the Kwande/Ushongo constituency but were found at a private residence in Makurdi. Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that he personally ordered the impoundment of the truck at the Government House after it was caught offloading the palliatives at the residence. The goods, which originated from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, had been diverted under the instructions of Hon. Ugboh, according to initial investigations.

Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that he was disturbed by the discovery, as the palliatives were meant to be distributed to vulnerable citizens in his state. The governor emphasized that such diversion of resources meant for IDPs is unacceptable, and that his administration will not tolerate any form of corruption or manipulation of public resources.

Governor Hyacinth Alia Demands Investigation by EFCC and ICPC

Governor Hyacinth Alia has called on the EFCC and ICPC to work with a three-man committee from the state to investigate the matter fully. He expressed dissatisfaction with the way the palliatives were handled and directed both agencies to ensure the investigation leaves no stone unturned. Additionally, he tasked officials from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and NEMA’s North Central Zonal Office with overseeing the fair distribution of the materials to the affected people.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who had just returned from the UK after attending a major event, spoke with NEMA headquarters regarding the irregularities. He learned that NEMA had sent the materials to Benue under the expectation that the state government would cover transportation costs and manage the distribution. However, the goods never reached their intended destination, sparking the governor’s intervention.

Public Reactions and Social Media Outcry

The news of the seized palliatives and the alleged involvement of Hon. Terseer Ugboh in their diversion has caused a stir on social media. Several Nigerians have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment and anger. Many users criticized the lawmaker for attempting to divert resources meant for the poor and vulnerable, with one user stating, “Despite his salaries and constituency allowances, he still wants to steal and sell relief materials meant for the poor people he is representing.”

Another user commented on the greed of some politicians, lamenting that they are still focused on “the little crumbs meant for the poor” despite their wealth and power. Some social media users, however, questioned the governor’s motives, suggesting that the investigation might be politically driven.

Praise for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Actions

While there was public outrage against the lawmaker, many praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for his swift action in preventing the diversion of the palliatives. Social media user @slashaz commented, “Ride on, Excellency… The masses are seeing your efforts towards creating a better state for us and we are solidly behind you.” Others thanked the governor for holding public officials accountable and ensuring that relief materials intended for IDPs were not misappropriated.

Governor Alia, in his statement, also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support of Benue State, particularly in providing resources for the displaced population. He urged other National Assembly members to prioritize the needs of their constituents and ensure transparency when handling government resources.