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A heated exchange has erupted in Benue State following an open letter from Terfa Naswem, a self-proclaimed Good Governance Advocate and ardent supporter of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The letter, published today by Alia TV Network, is addressed to Rt. Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, and calls for an end to what Naswem describes as a “wild goose chase” against the governor.
Naswem’s letter criticizes Tarkighir for a recent social media post where he lamented that development in Benue State has been reduced to “roads, culverts, underpasses, and the ritual of salaries and pensions.” The advocate argues that this statement undermines the governor’s efforts and questions Tarkighir’s motives, suggesting he may be acting under external influence or personal agenda. Naswem highlights his own past support for Tarkighir, citing the representative’s commendable impact during his 2015-2019 term, but now accuses him of hypocrisy for targeting Alia.
The letter defends Governor Alia’s achievements, including the construction of LGEA Primary School Ngbann, Nyiev, Guma LGA, the purchase of motorcycles for rural interventions, solar boreholes in Abinsi, Guma LGA, and various employment programs. Naswem challenges Tarkighir’s portrayal of these as insufficient, urging him to acknowledge the governor’s progress rather than casting aspersions. He also references his own 2023 Good Governance Advocate Merit Award from City Report in Jos, Plateau State, to underscore his credibility in advocating for positive governance.
Tarkighir, who won his seat in the 2023 elections against PDP’s Hon. Benjamin Mzondo under the “Yes Father Movement,” has yet to respond to the letter. Naswem advises Tarkighir to offer constructive criticism where needed but warns that ungrounded attacks will face public backlash. The open letter concludes with a call for unity and a focus on Benue’s development trajectory, signed off with a prayerful “Yours in God’s Hands.”
This public spat has ignited discussions among residents and political observers, with many awaiting Tarkighir’s response to see if the tension escalates or leads to a constructive dialogue.
