Alia never sought relocation of Tor Tiv Palace, claims baseless — Benue govt

Benue State Government Denies Relocation Claims by Former Speaker

The Benue State Government has dismissed accusations from former State House of Assembly Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, who alleged that Governor Hyacinth Alia sought to move the Tor Tiv Palace from Gboko to Ihugh. The government characterized Dajoh’s statements as baseless and unfounded.

In response to remarks made by Dajoh during his 50th birthday celebration in Gboko Local Government Area, Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula stated that the allegations lack credibility and evidence. Kula described the claims as “a cocktail of conspiracy theories” and insisted that Governor Alia has never issued any communication regarding the relocation of the Tor Tiv Palace.

Kula challenged Dajoh to present any documentation supporting his claims. “The assertion that Governor Hyacinth Alia requested that the Palace be moved is entirely false and imaginary,” he said. He emphasized that any official correspondence between the Executive and the House of Assembly would follow established procedures, making it unlikely that such a directive could go unrecorded.

The Chief Press Secretary also pointed out that the House of Assembly does not possess the constitutional authority to relocate the headquarters of a traditional institution like the Tor Tiv Palace. He deemed Dajoh’s allegations legally untenable.

Additionally, Kula rejected claims made by Dajoh regarding expenditures of over N200 million related to an alleged attempt to remove Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese. He urged Dajoh to provide evidence of the purported spending and to name those who may have benefited.

“The people of Benue deserve facts, not fiction; evidence, not emotions; and accountability, not political theatre,” Kula asserted.

Kula further defended the state government’s handling of the Wurukum–Renewed Hope Estate road project. He explained that the contract includes the reconstruction of a federal highway, which has been approved by the Federal Government, and encompasses a dual carriageway and a five-span bridge over the River Mu.

In closing, Kula called for reflection on the reasons behind Dajoh’s departure from the Speaker’s position instead of engaging in what he termed “political grandstanding.” Dajoh had contended that his removal was connected to his opposition to relocating the Tor Tiv Palace and claimed he faced warnings from influential figures within the governor’s inner circle regarding his stance on the matter.

The Benue State Government has firmly denied all allegations made by Dajoh and has challenged him to substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence.

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