By Amos Aar
THE MEMBER representing Gwer/Gwer West federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Asema Achado, has condemned Monday’s sealing of City Bay Park, Makurdi by the Benue State Government.
Hon Achado is accusing the government of unlawful closure of his business premises marked by what he described as sustained harassment of his ventures.
Achado, at a press conference held in Makurdi on Tuesday, criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of forcibly sealing City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank on Tuesday, December 23, 2024.
Both businesses are subsidiaries of the Archtik Group, founded by Achado before his election to the House of Representatives in 2023.
According to Achado, the closure followed demand notices issued by the Benue State Internal Revenue Service regarding business premises registration fees.
He said despite compliance with payments, totaling ₦259,000, enforcement teams still went ahead to enforce the closure of the business ventures marked by use of excessive force.
“The arbitrary and heavy-handed sealing of these business premises is executed without authorization from any competent court of law. This action reflects the highest degree of abuse of power, suppression, and persecution,” Achado stated.
He also revealed that the closure had severe consequences, including financial losses by sub-tenants dealing in perishable goods, disruption of scheduled events at City Bay Park, and psychological trauma among affected individuals.
Achado alleged that government’s actions have political undertones.
He accused Governor Alia’s administration of undermining key APC stakeholders in Benue State. He expressed disappointment, noting that these businesses, which employ numerous Benue citizens, significantly contribute to the local economy and the socio-economic development of the state.
Achado called on the people of Benue State to urge Governor Alia to prioritise the state’s socio-economic progress, while also tasking the Inspector General of Police to ensure that law enforcement agencies in Benue State uphold the rule of law.
He equally called on the national leadership of the APC to caution Alia against actions that undermine party unity and good governance.
While stating the broader implications of the sealing of the business premises, Achado warned that such actions threaten democratic principles, economic stability, and the rights of citizens in Benue State.
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He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to advocate for justice and fairness to safeguard the socio-political harmony of the state.
For now, both City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank remain sealed, with efforts to resolve the situation reportedly yielding no results.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Manasseh Alumo Orpin, did not pick enquiry calls to his mobile phone, neither did he respond to WhatsApp message by our correspondent over the sealing of the City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank.
National Record also gathered that Balcony, another hospitality industry owned by Chief John Akperashi along Makurdi-Aliade road, close to PDP secretariat was also sealed over alleged tax default.
