Terseer Ugbor, the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, has announced plans to sue Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue State Government over allegations of palliative diversion. Ugbor claims that the accusations are defamatory and has engaged a legal team to challenge the governor in court, seeking ₦1 billion in compensation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ugbor explained that the compensation would be invested in building a housing estate for displaced individuals in his constituency. The dispute arose while Ugbor was attending the United Nations General Assembly in the U.S., during which he learned that a truckload of relief materials he had secured for his constituents from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was confiscated by the Benue State government.
According to Ugbor, the governor handed the materials over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for investigation. He accused the governor of politically motivated actions, insisting he would defend his reputation in court.
Meanwhile, a statement from Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, clarified that the truck was found offloading relief materials at a private residence in Makurdi. The materials, released from a NEMA warehouse in Jos, were meant for displaced individuals but were allegedly diverted. Governor Alia ordered that the truck be brought to the Government House and directed anti-graft agencies to investigate.
Ugbor, however, dismissed the governor’s actions as unnecessary and politically driven, reiterating his commitment to supporting displaced persons in his constituency. He vowed to clear his name through legal channels.
