(SINL NIGERIA) Following alleged seizure of palliatives meant for Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency, a lawmaker, Hon.Terseer Ugbor has enlisted a legal team to challenge Governor Hyacinth and the Benue state government in court.
Specifically, Hon. Ugbor is set to challenge allegations of diversion of the palliatives levelled against him by Gov Alia.
SINL Nigeria Online source said the legal team is expected to examine the accusations and take appropriate action to safeguard the image of the lawmaker and set the record straight in the court of law.
According to sources close to Hon. Ugbor, he is suing the Alia government for defamation of character and is seeking for N1billion as compensation.
It would be recalled that a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula claimed that a “truck was caught offloading relief materials meant for IDPs of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency at a private residence in Makurdi”.
According to Kula, “It was later discovered that the goods were released from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, and were supposed to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency”.
The statement quoted that Governor Alia, ordered the impounding of the truck at Government House, saying he expressed dissatisfaction with the findings and directed anti-graft agencies to carry out further investigation, even as he called on relevant officials to ensure that the materials were distributed to the rightful recipients.
In a swift reaction, Hon. Ugbor disputed the accusations, claiming the governor’s actions were unnecessary and politically motivated.
He vowed to defend his reputation and ensure the aid reaches those in need.
Despite the challenges, the lawmaker encouraged his constituents to stay strong and peaceful.
“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 palliatives to displaced individuals in Kwande is not a new endeavor, yet it has seemingly provoked the governor’s displeasure”.
He noted that as a legislator, his duty is to help secure benefits for his constituents adding that “in any other state, my efforts would have been acknowledged with gratitude”.
“Accusations that the palliatives were unloaded at a private residence are unfounded, as the truck was parked in front of a well-known warehouse in Makurdi, not in a clandestine location”.
He urge the people of Kwande/Ushongo to remain resilient and peaceful during these difficult times.
