Benue academic group rejects petition against Governor Alia, questions motives of signatories

‎A group under the aegis of Kunav Progressive Academics, has dismissed a petition submitted against Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, describing it as a politically motivated document aimed at undermining the Benue State governor ahead of the 2027 elections.

‎Addressing journalists during a press conference on Monday in Makurdi, the group said the petition dated February 27, 2026, and addressed to the Catholic Bishops of Gboko, Otukpo, Makurdi, and Katsina-Ala, was authored by individuals allegedly pursuing governorship ambitions rather than raising genuine concerns.

‎Recall that Godwin Ityoachimin,  Joseph Waya, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, Prof. Paul Angya, Prof. Denis Ityavyar, and Prof. Terhemba Shija, under the banner of a coalition of gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area, had addressed a petition to the Catholic Bishops in the state, accusing the governor of using “church spaces and religious services as platforms for political intimidation and threats of physical violence.”

‎Speaking on behalf of the Academics of Kunav extraction, the group argued that the petition was “a carefully scripted political manifesto disguised as a religious complaint,” accusing the signatories of distorting events and statements attributed to Governor Alia.

‎They specifically rejected claims relating to remarks made by the governor during a thanksgiving ceremony at All Saints Catholic Church in Tsenge on January 18, 2026, insisting that the governor was quoted out of context as his expressions meant to convey resilience and vigilance rather than violence.

‎“The metaphorical language attributed to the Governor, specifically regarding “biting fingers” and “beheading,” is a deliberate and malicious misinterpretation of indigenous rhetoric,” the group stated.

‎They warned against what they described as efforts to use religious institutions to advance political rivalry.

‎Speaking further on the professional records of the coalition of gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area, the group also questioned their suitability to contest for the governorship of Benue State.

‎They accused some of the individuals of parading as gubernatorial aspirants of poor performance in previous public offices, lack of development projects in their constituencies, and failure to deliver meaningful contributions to the state’s growth.

‎They stressed that rather than resorting to petitions, those aspiring to lead the state should present their visions and policies to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

‎While commending Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his developmental strides in office, the academics highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration since assuming office in 2023.

‎According to them, the government has embarked on major infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 570 kilometres of roads across the state, as well as the ongoing construction of a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi.

‎They also cited efforts to revive the state’s industrial sector through projects such as the Food Basket Brewery and the Benue Fruit Juice Company.

‎Other achievements listed by the group included the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh, recruitment of over 9,000 primary school teachers, upgrades to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and improvements in workers’ welfare through more regular salary and pension payments.

‎The academics called on the Catholic bishops in the state to exercise caution in handling the petition and to ensure that the church is not drawn into political disputes, expressing optimism that the Church leadership would distinguish between genuine pastoral concerns and political maneuvering.

‎The group urged the people of Benue State to ignore what it described as distractions and remain focused on ongoing development initiatives of the Alia led administration.

‎“Governor Alia remains committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State,” the group said, adding that political contests should be settled through democratic elections rather than petitions.”

‎ The statement was signed by 35 academics, including ‎Prof. Benjamin Gowon Ahule, Prof. Daniel Ngusha Chile, Prof. Ayila Ngutsav, Prof. Moses Tsenongo, Prof. Paul Terngu Haaga, Prof. Mike Agbir, Prof. Terver Sombu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Vitalis Torwel, Prof. Emmaneul Apedzan Kighir, Prof. Damian Anya, Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor ‎amongst dozens of other academics, clerics and professionals from the Kunav area.