The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, has dismissed the claims by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Hyacinth Alia refused assent to 33 bills passed by the House of Assembly, including appropriation bills.
But APC said the claim was false and not supported by any verifiable legislative or official record.
A statement issued by the APC state publicity secretary, Benedict Yawe, explained that the state government had consistently operated within the constitutional framework governing public finance, including the lawful passage, assent, and implementation of appropriation laws duly transmitted by the state House of Assembly.
It urged the public to disregard attempts to manufacture controversy where none exists, adding that Governor Alia remains firmly committed to constitutional governance, fiscal discipline, due process, and transparent administration anchored on cooperation among institutions of government.
According to the statement, “Ordinarily, the APC would have disregarded what is clearly a politically driven narrative built on selective interpretation of informal remarks allegedly made at a social gathering. However, in view of the serious constitutional issues raised and the need to prevent public misinformation, it has become necessary to clarify the facts.”
APC added, “For the avoidance of doubt, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides a clear process for law-making involving passage by the legislature and assent by the Governor, as well as other constitutionally recognized procedures where applicable. The Alia-led administration has, at all times, adhered strictly to these provisions. Public expenditure in Benue State has therefore been executed on the basis of duly approved budgets and validated statutory instruments, in line with applicable financial regulations, treasury procedures, and audit requirements.
“The PDP’s reliance on an informal remark allegedly attributed to a former Speaker at a birthday event is both inappropriate and insufficient as a basis for far-reaching constitutional allegations. Governance cannot be built on social interpretations or politically convenient recollections. The only legitimate reference point for determining the status of any bill remains the official records of the Benue State House of Assembly and authenticated government publications,” the statement said.
