Politics
Group Condemns Petition to Pope Leo XIV against Alia
Political appointees from Mbayongo Council Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State have condemned in strong terms, a petition written by a member of the Ward to Pope Leo XIV, against the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia.
The petitioner, Mr. Joseph Waya, a former Gubernatorial candidate of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 has in the petition, addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, Waya alleging that Alia has brought the Catholic Church in Nigeria to disrepute through his actions in office.
In a joint press release by appointees from Mbayongo Council Ward on behalf of stakeholders, signed by the trio of Barr Seember Wayo, Principal Special Adviser (PSA) to the Executive Governor on Legal Matters; Rev. Solomon Semaka, PSA on National Programs, CSOs, Voter Education and Strategic Interventions; and John Akuse Special Advisor on SDGs, the stakeholders dismissed the petition as a frivolous character assassination campaign.
Full text below;
Democracy offers us multiple avenues to decently air out views, both as opposition politicians and members of the ruling party. The role played by opposition politicians especially through constructive criticism is germaine in sustaining democracy, serving as checks and balances to those in power. However, when opposition elements decide to abuse such powers, it is the duty of men of conscience to set the records straight.
It is on this note, that we the undersigned as critical stakeholders have decided to condemn in totality, the shameful outing of Joseph Waya, who is himself from Mbayongo Council Ward like us but has taken the unpopular path of disparaging a government that has given so much to Mbayongo people in terms of appointments and infrastructural development prospects.
As true sons of Mbayongo who are serving His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hycainth Iornem Alia in different capacities, Joseph Waya’s petition to the Catholic pontiff smacks of nothing but bitterness, unhealthy rivalry and childish voyage of lies and distorted facts to gain popularity ahead of the next general election having been roundly defeated in the last general election by Governor Alia.
Mr. Joseph Waya, a former Gubernatorial candidate of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general election has alleged through a petition addressed to Nigeria’s Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, that Alia has brought the Catholic Church in Nigeria to disrepute through his actions in office. This is a baseless lie that has no connection with the realities on ground in Benue and Nigeria at large. For a Governor that is receiving awards and accolades across the country for his excellent stewardship, Waya’s claim can best be described as a joke of the century.
We, therefore, dismiss his petition as a desperate execution of a poorly orchestrated frivolous character assassination campaign plot by disgruntled losers. As stakeholders and a voice of the good people of Mbayongo Council Ward, we are disappointed by the poor and acrimonious outing of a son of the soil who has descended so low to attack the person and office of the Executive Governor of Benue State to feed his fading political ego. This show of shame is nothing but blatant act of character assassination campaign, deep rooted in political rivalry occasioned by the petitioner’s inability to move on after his abysmal defeat at the polls.
For someone who claims Catholic roots, Joseph Waya’s choice of blackmail and propaganda as a weapon to get the Governor’s attention invalidate his claims and exposes him as one whose spurious campaign of calumny is just another attention seeking charade to gain popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections which he intends to contest.
With zero political, social and religious relevance to Mbayongo people, Waya’s antics must be seen for what they truly are; a deliberate attempt to sabotage developmental efforts of Mbayongo stakeholders and to pitch the Governor against the people of Mbayongo Council Ward. Fabricating lies and distorting facts by alleging financial misconduct in an administration that’s built solidly on transparency, accountability and efficient use of scarce resources is callous, malicious and highly unacceptable.
It is amusing that the petitioner chooses to rely on ‘Zebra Reporters’, an obscure online blog, instead of referencing the Auditor-General’s reports, budget performance documents, and anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in matters of financial misconduct. This exposes not just the hypocrisy behind this outing but its lack of debt.
Joseph Wayas Catholic-Christian background as alluded in the petition is questionable. The claim that there are no meaningful projects on ground is a complete misrepresentation of reality as the Alia administration has executed and is still executing numerous legacy projects within just two years. If Wayas is not a pathological liar then he is clearly a bad Catholic who is alive for bad faith and doom.
The indisputable fact remains that Benue state under Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia is on a fast developmental trajectory as evidenced by the many road projects that are ongoing across Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Kwande and other local government areas, with many already commissioned. Worthy of note is the recent pronouncements of the governor on new road networks within and across Mbayongo council ward, again we thank the governor for keeping faith with the people of Mbayongo who are fully behind his administration.
Salaries and pensions are being paid with unprecedented regularity, with civil servants in the state receiving their welfare packages latest 25th of every month. Hospitals are being rehabilitated and equipped. Schools are being renovated while teacher welfare is being prioritised. The Governor has also embarked on massive recruitment drives across different ministries in the state to inject fresh ideas into the Benue workforce.
Beyond this, the administration is already attracting global partnerships with various development partners like European Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM) United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) United Nations Human Settlement (UN-HABITAT). As we write this rebuttal, His Excellency is on his way to Abuja to the launch of the EU Funded Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria as the key Note Speaker on behalf of the other Fellow Governors of Yobe, Adamawa, Kano and Sokoto States. This project is in line with his dream of returning the displaced people of Benue State back to their ancestral homes. To insinuate that His Excellency has abandoned the people and the Anti-open grazing law and is hobnobbing with the Herder’s men is a lie from the pit of hell. Like His Excellency has always maintained, “we don’t talk security, we do security” Efforts at reconciliation of the Herders and Framers have reached advanced stage and this is part of what has endeared the European Union Delegation to Nigeria to Benue State. Ongoing Efforts with other partners such as UNIDO, GIZ, and AFC to industrialize the state and build a climate-smart economy are at advanced stages. These are already yielding results as many of the industries are almost completed with great prospects for enhancing the economic fortunes of the state.
We deem it fit, at this juncture to assure His Excellency, Governor Alia that the people of Mbayongo and indeed, all Benue sons and daughters are with him regardless of the number of baseless petitions flying around by unscrupulous politicians whose stock in trade is mischief. The Governor’s strategic rural roadmap and his industrial pursuits are well documented and appreciated by the masses and nobody on a wild goose chase can erase these footprints.
In conclusion we leave the good people of Benue State with this posers Apart from Governor Aper Aku and Fr Orshi Adasu of blessed memories, who has left any legacy projects within this short period of time in Office in the leadership of Benue State: Overhead bridges in Makurdi, Gboko, Repositioning of the State Civil Service, Massive employment of Benue indigenes recently by SUBEB, Renovation of abandoned PHCs, and Schools, construction and beautification of major roads not just in Makurdi but across the three senatorial zones, Lighted streets and suburbs etc.
Ladies and gentlemen, we shall conclude by passing a vote of confidence on the peoples Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia whose tenure has brought unprecedented development, increased welfare, industrialization, job creation and the restoration of peace in areas ravaged by insecurity. Those who seek to tarnish the Governor’s impeccable leadership credentials must be exposed and shamed by Benue people. Governor Alia will complete his 4+4 tenure this is not negotiable.
Finally, without meaning to take up any arms against our own, we dare our brother, son and husband to show case his contribution to the Yongotiev community to warrant these attacks on the first Governor to recognise that we have developmental needs and has come to our aid?
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
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