By Chris Agabi
The member, representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Dr. Asema Achado has accused the Benue State government of crippling his businesses and illegally shutting down his businesses.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on December 26th, 2024, the House of Representatives member said the government action aside inflicting huge losses on his business has also left so many staff and other persons who depend on his facilities for survival in despair.
The Benue State government sealed City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank over alleged default in payment of levies.
Dr. Achado also alleged the state government’s action has some political collocation and a calculated attack on his investments.
He also accused the governor, HE. Rev. Hyacinth Alia of being involved in his ordeal.
“The actions of the governor suggest a calculated attempt to silence dissent and undermine our contributions to the state’s development” he alleged.
Hon. Achado explained that even the “subtenants within City Bay Park, particularly those dealing in perishable goods, have incurred devastating losses.”
He said the closure has also brought psychological trauma to those who had their weddings and other events scheduled at the park in addition to the losses they incurred.
He said “efforts by the company’s management to resolve the matter with relevant authorities have been futile, as both premises remain sealed.”
He appealed to well meaning “Benue citizens to advise Governor Alia 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.”
He appealed to “the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC Leaders in Benue State.”
Explaining how the premises were sealed he said “on December 23, 2024, officials from the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside law enforcement agencies, 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.”
He further explained that “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.”
According to him, these “payments were made on the 23rd December, 2024 and receipts of these payments duly issued by Benue State Internal Revenue Service, which copies are available for reference.”
“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” Dr. Achado stated.
“”This second operation was marked by excessive force, 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” he lamented.
