Douglas Onyilo, a former caretaker chairman of Benue State’s Okpokwu Local Governor Area, has praised the recent ruling of the Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Panel, which overturned the state’s illegal dismissal of validly elected chairmen and council members.
According to him, the ruling is a significant act of political preservation as well as a legal milestone.
According to Onyilo, it is a daring reaffirmation of the primacy of the constitution, the sanctity of democratic processes, and a timely defense against those who wished to subvert popular will and seize Governor Hyacinth Alia’s democratic mandate.
In a statement released in Makurdi on Thursday, he made this claim.
According to Onyilo, this ruling has restored popular trust in the rule of law and the tenacity of our institutions at a time when desperation and manipulation threaten grassroots democracy.
“The Appeal Panel, through what can be described as a judicious mix of legal insight and political conscience, has stood firm against forces that sought to undermine both democracy and governance in Benue State.
“The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed…
“That guarantee came under threat in Benue State.
“According to Dan Onjeh, respected activist and former Senate aspirant, the abrupt removal of elected council officials was not just a legal misstep but a deliberate plot orchestrated by enemies of the state—individuals bent on destabilizing the administration of Governor Alia, disrupting governance at the grassroots, and mocking the votes of the people.”
” Their ruling in favour of the elected officials is a sweeping reaffirmation of a truth that has too often been neglected: local government administration must be built on the will of the people—not political maneuvering.
“Indeed, local government is the closest tier to the people—and any attempt to truncate its democratic structure has immediate consequences. In Benue, this disruption nearly crippled development and governance at the grassroots.
According to Onyilo, the ruling of the Appeal Panel has now served as a remedy, a restoration of constitutional order, and a safeguard for the administration’s legitimacy.
“This moment offers a broader lesson to all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy.
“This ruling is not just a restoration of electoral mandates; it is a bold statement that Benue belongs to its people—not to political cabals.
” It is a signal that Governor Alia’s administration cannot be hijacked by enemies masquerading as stakeholders.
“As we celebrate this democratic victory, it is only right to extend hearty congratulations to the Benue State Chapter of the All Progressives Congressm APC, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and the capable State Caretaker Committee Chairman of our great party.
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