By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Some key stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State have accused the member, representing the Bali 1 constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Veronica Alhassan of nepotism and high-handedness.
Leader of the group, Hon. Ismailia Umaru, told journalists on Friday that Mrs. Alhassan unilaterally ordered the Local Government cashier to vacate his position and hand over to her biological sister without following due process.
Umaru alleged that Alhassan also singlehandedly selected ward and local government delegates without consulting other party stakeholders.
“What we are witnessing is the destruction of our great party, the PDP, in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. We have been faithful and loyal members, but we cannot continue to be taken for granted,” Umaru said.
“During the last congresses, the member personally chose all the ward officials without consulting other stakeholders. As loyal party members, we accepted it because our primary concern was ensuring the party’s strength and unity.
“Now, she has ordered the cashier, Mr. David Dinishiya, to vacate his position and hand over to her biological sister, Mrs. Afiniki Nyishi, who is her sibling. Despite our efforts to persuade her that these actions are damaging the party’s reputation, she has refused to listen.
“We made her the member she is today. People initially rejected her candidacy, but we worked tirelessly to ensure the party’s success because she had the party’s ticket. That is how she emerged victorious.
“We are calling on His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas and State Working Committee of the party to call Hon. Veronica Alhassan to order before she destroys our party-the PDP in Bali. She has no right to remove the cashier simply to replace him with her sister,” Umaru said.
Responding to the allegations in a telephone interview with journalists, Veronica Alhassan defended her actions, stating that she appointed Mr. Dinishiya as the cashier and, therefore, has the authority to remove him and replace him with anyone of her choice.
“I am the one who put him there, and I can remove him anytime I want. What is wrong with that? My sister is a married woman and has her own life, so she is qualified to occupy any position. There is nothing wrong with that,” Alhassan said.
Efforts to reach the Chairman of Bali Local Government, Mr. Aboki Dauda, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to his verified phone number.
