From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Executive Director, Federal Housing Authority, FHA Dr Mathias Byuan and the Benue State Government have engaged in hot exchange of words over the demolition of an office dedicated to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Makurdi, the State capital.
The office which was commissioned last week Friday named ABT Support Group Office was said to be been built by the ED FHA for the President’s re-election in 2027.
Barely a week after, it’s fence was demolished by bulldozers of the State Government.
Addressing newsmen on Thursday at the office on behalf of the convener, the Director General President Ahmed Bola Tinubu PABT Support Group, Dr. Aker Kpev, said the demolished structure had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved building plan from the Benue State Urban Development Board and wondered what could have warranted this action of government.
He described the action as “unexpected,” given the approvals it obtained before construction.
“I don’t want to mentioned names. This thing just happened. We came into office this morning to work and this people just came, started demolishing the building. They didn’t tell us anything.
“I have reported the matter to the Convener of this organisation and I have also informed the press about the situation. This action is condemnable because it is uncalled for.
“The demolition of our secretariat will not deter our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our vision for a stronger North Central”, the DG said.
The demolition further triggered reactions from supporters of the President, who see the move as politically motivated.
One of the supporters who spoke on condition of anonymity with journalists accused Governor Alia of being behind the demolition, saying that the governor has not publicly displayed strong alignment with President Tinubu, as there are no official billboards or structures in support of the President across the state for 2027.
He expressed disappointment over the demolition but vowed that they would continue with activities in support of the President’s re-election bid in 2027.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has denied being behind the demolition of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu campaign office in Makurdi.
He noted that his attention was drawn to mischievous attempts by some desperate individuals to misrepresent the ongoing demolition exercise along the Wurukum–Yaikyor-Apir-Ikpayongo axis of Makurdi.
He explained that the demolitions currently taking place on designated road setbacks and rights of way are part of the legitimate and well-supervised dualization of the Makurdi–Enugu highway, a critical infrastructure project of the federal government with cooperation from state governments designed to ease traffic, improve safety, and promote socio-economic growth.
Gov. Alia who spoke through his Chief Press secretary Tersoo Kula, maintained that it is on record that the government, through the relevant agencies, conducted thorough assessments on all approved structures affected by the dualization project.
“Owners of legitimate buildings with proper approvals have been duly compensated in accordance with laid-down procedures.
“However, those whose properties lacked approval or were illegally erected on government right of way were duly notified and directed to vacate, as such structures contravene town planning regulations and pose a danger to the integrity of the road expansion work.
“It is therefore mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicize the process by repainting, mounting billboards or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures, in an attempt to stir sentiment or blackmail the government.
“Let it also be clearly stated that the exercise is not limited to Makurdi. The dualization extends from Makurdi to the Benue–Enugu boundary, while the Enugu State Government will continue from its boundary to the termination point of the project. This road project is being executed in phases”, Alia said.
He therefore urged the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics, saying that the ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimization but necessary steps toward modernization and the infrastructural renewal of our dear state.
“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of distortion and political mischief. We appeal to well-meaning citizens to see the bigger picture; that this project, once completed, will bring immense benefit to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration remains committed to the rule of law, fairness, and the collective progress of all. Harbingers of falsehood should give way to truth and development”, Kula, maintained.
