Benue Vanguard: Hold Alia responsible if anything happens to Agbese

A pro-good governance and accountability group, Benue Vanguard for Good Governance, has issued strong warning to Governor Hyacinth Alia and officials of the state government, to stop attacking the deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, Philip Agbese.

Agbese, who is the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue, had last week, lowered the official portrait of the governor in his office at the National Assembly.

The federal lawmaker said this was based on Alia’s “disrespect” for Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the rule of law, saying, “he is not fit to be called a Leader”.

Agbese’s action has received a lot of reactions, with some section saying the young man had done noble, while other group said it was “childish” and “untimely”; amongst fear of alleged planned attacks on the person of the lawmaker.

But the Benue Vanguard for Good Governance, in a statement signed by Apeh Oche, the national coordinator, eulogised Agbese as a “hero of democracy who should be celebrated for speaking truth to power”, saying, he is “a true son of Benue who is fearless, courageous and visionary”.

The Vanguard warned strongly that, any attempt to silence Agbese will be rejected by the youths of Benue, describing him as “a great asset” to the state.

“Whilst we understand that it is within their democratic right to write any rubbish and be published, we will not tolerate any harm to Agbese.

“Agbese is a great asset to Benue and the role he is playing in National Assembly is not for his Constituency or Benue State alone, he is speaking for the entire House of Representatives and by extension, Nigerians.

“He has the right to form his opinion about anyone in Government, especially, issues affecting his political party, his State and the country at large. Like many other Nigerians, Agbese will not hesitate to speak out when anything is wrong.

“We know some people have a history of violence and may be tempted to plot great harm against the Lawmaker. We are following the trend and we invite the various security agencies to provide security for the Lawmaker, his family members and staff and also keep tabs on the activities of the state government”, the group added.