Rep. Terseer Ugbor, representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue State, has vowed to take legal action against Governor Hyacinth Alia and the state government over allegations of diverting palliatives.
Ugbor claims the accusations are defamatory and is seeking N1 billion in compensation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ugbor explained that while attending the United Nations General Assembly in the United States, he learned that Governor Alia had confiscated a truckload of relief materials secured from the National Emergency Management Agency in Makurdi. The materials were meant for his constituents.
Ugbor stated, “While in the USA for the United Nations General Assembly at the invitation of the Presidency, I learnt that NEMA approved additional palliative for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in response to my requests for more assistance.”
He plans to invest the compensation in building a housing estate for displaced people in Kwande.
However, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, countered that the truck was intercepted offloading relief materials at a private residence in Makurdi. The goods were released from NEMA’s Jos warehouse, supposedly sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Alia impounded the truck and ordered an investigation by anti-graft agencies, ensuring the materials reach the intended recipients. Ugbor dismissed the governor’s actions as politically motivated and unnecessary.
Ugbor asserted, “In light of this development, I have instructed my legal team to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard my reputation and set the record straight in court… My support for the transportation, storage, and distribution of palliative to displaced individuals in Kwande is not a new endeavor, yet it has seemingly provoked the governor’s displeasure.”
