Commissioner, Lawmaker In Cold War

 

 

•Habu Phillip Says Hon Esther Will Replace Veronica Alhassan In 2027

 

 

A cold war is brewing among members of the People's Democratic Party PDP in Bali Local Government area as the a Lawmaker from the area Mrs. Veronica Alhassan is at logger head with Hon. James Habu Philip, Commissioner for cooperative and poverty alleviation.

 

The crisis is unconnected to leadership control of the party structure and political permutations ahead of 2027 general election, several sources told Taraba Truth and Facts newspaper.

 

Sources said the Commissioner has been promoting another aspirant, one Hon. Esther for the seat of Mrs. Veronica Alhassan, representing the Bali (I) constituency at the State assembly.

 

He was quoted to be saying in Garba Chede recently that Hon Esther would replace Mrs Veronica Alhassan at the State House of Assembly in 2027, a source said the statement brought a wave of new crisis among party members in the area.

 

However trouble started when members of PDP Elite Youth, on Friday, opposed the directive by the state lawmaker representing the Bali (I) constituency, instructing the local government council chairman to remove the council cashier.

 

The lawmaker in question, Mrs. Veronica Alhassan, has admitted to issuing the order for the removal of the council cashier, Mr. David Dinishiya, and replacing him with her younger sister, Mrs. Afiniki Nyishi.

 

However the Commissioner for cooperative and poverty alleviation is said to be working hard to ensure Mr. David Dinishiya remains on the seat.

 

Meanwhile, group leader Hon. Ismailia Umaru 

described the assembly member's action as nepotism and an unjust assertion of political dominance.

 

"We appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and ask the member of the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Bali (I) constituency to redirect her steps before she causes a crisis within the PDP in Bali. Her actions are becoming unbearable," Umaru said.

 

"During the last congresses, Hon. Mrs. Alhassan unilaterally selected ward and local government delegates without consulting other party stakeholders. Now, she has instructed the local government chairman to remove the cashier and replace him with her biological sister, without due process.

 

"We made numerous efforts to make her understand the consequences of her decision and withdraw her order against the cashier, but she ignored us. The cashier is a key ally of PDP in Bali, and removing him without due process sends a message to the youths of Bali to leave the party.

 

"We made her the lawmaker she is today. She was initially rejected by the people, but we worked tirelessly to ensure her success. Now, she has ordered the removal of someone we helped place in power," Umaru added.

"We are calling on His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and the State Working Committee of the party to intervene before Hon. Veronica Alhassan causes irreparable damage to the PDP in Bali. Removing the cashier would be disastrous for the party in the local government," the group leader warned.

 

 

 

 

Counter Attack

A supporter of the Lawmaker, Nuru AHIJO in an Open letter to Governor Agbu Kefas accused the commissioner of using his power to molest, harass and intimidate people especially from Bali Local Government.

 

He said  Honourable James Habu Philip was seen physically fighting in Mai Hula town, same event occurred in Gembu, unfortunately, this avoidable incidents happened in beer palours.

 

"I wish to call on the Taraba State Governor to terminate the appointment of James Habu as a matter of ugency.

 

"Allowing people with such questionable character can ruins the image of the Governor and his administration in the eyes of the people."

 

Meanwhile stakeholders in the area urged Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and call  the assembly member and commissioner to  order to prevent a disruption of the PDP in Bali Local Government.