A member of House of Representatives, representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency in Benue, Asema Achado, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to prevail on his men in the state from being turned into tools of oppression and intimidation.
In the same vein, the lawmaker called on the national leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress to caution the state governor, Hyacinth Alia for what he described as ‘onslaught against the party leaders in the state.’
The lawmaker made the appeal in Makurdi on Thursday while narrating how his business ventures; City Bay Park, a recreational facility, and Benysta Microfinance Bank, both situated in Makurdi were shut down two days before Christmas by officials of the state government alongside enforcement agencies despite meeting the financial obligations to the appropriate ministries.
Achado said that some government officials from the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside law enforcement agencies, had on December 23, 2024, forcibly entered and sealed the premises of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank.
“They presented demand notices dated December 12 and 13, 2024, regarding business premises registration fees.
“Despite City Bay Park’s status as a government property, which arguably exempts it from such fees, the management of the park swiftly paid ₦20,000 for registration and ₦219, 000 as default charges to avoid conflict. These payments were made on the 23rd of December, 2024, and receipts of these payments were duly issued by Benue State Internal Revenue Service, whose copies are available for reference.
He added, “Shockingly, after an additional ₦20,000 was demanded and paid to unseal City Bay Park, a more aggressive enforcement team arrived and resealed both premises. This second operation was marked by excessive force, and harassment, including the use of tear gas, which caused injuries and distress among customers, including children and the elderly. Some individuals fainted, while others sustained serious injuries in the process.
The lawmaker who stated that the sealing off of the businesses was politically motivated, appealed to the people of the state to advise the governor to cease actions detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state.
He also called on the Inspector General of Police ‘to ensure that the Police in Benue State are not used as tools of oppression and intimidation but for the maintenance of law and order.’
“I also appeal to the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC Leaders in Benue.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE