Alia: One year in office of unfulfilled promises
.…Failed to Clear Arrears Despite Receiving Over N200 Billion
In a country striving for progress and development, the role of state governors cannot be overstated. State governors are entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the efficient allocation of resources, fostering growth, and improving the lives of their people. However, the case of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State stands out as a stark reminder of leadership gone astray.
As the echoes of 2024 Democracy Day celebrations reverberated across Nigeria, Governor Alia’s lackluster performance came to the fore. While his counterparts proudly showcased their transformative initiatives and visionary projects, Governor Alia’s sole claim to a scorecard of performance was the payment of salaries and pensions. A meager feat indeed, especially when juxtaposed against the weighty issues plaguing the state such as insecurity.
Three other things that Governor Alia added to his list of “achievements” were the installation of streets lights in Makurdi which is a Federal Government project, the purchase of refurbished buses for Benue Links transport company, another Federal Government project (Tinubu’s Palliatives) and the construction of 15 short streets in New GRA and a few other parts of the Benue State capital by his administration at a highly inflated cost of N9 billion.
It is appalling that Governor Alia touts the payment of salaries as a noteworthy achievement, when in reality, it is a basic obligation owed to the hardworking men and women who toil tirelessly to keep the wheels of the state turning. Many other Governors in the country who took over power the same day as Alia have since cleared the backlog of salaries and pensions that they inherited.
The revelation that Benue State has received a windfall of over N200 billion in allocations for state and local governments just within one year paints a grim picture of mismanagement and misplaced priorities. With such a substantial influx of funds in addition to many other monetary interventions from the Federal Government, we expected Governor Alia to spearhead bold and transformative projects that uplift the state and its people. Instead, he has chosen to squander this opportunity, opting for a myopic focus on the bare minimum of governance and embarking on white elephant projects known as underpasses at High Level in Makurdi and at Gyado Junction in Gboko.
It is a travesty that Governor Alia has failed to address the pressing needs of Benue State, opting for mediocrity over excellence and complacency over ambition. His inability to clear the backlog of salaries and pensions is a pointer to his lack of vision and leadership, and a disservice to the people who placed their trust in him.
According to a statement issued by Amos Uchiv, President
Defenders of Democracy, DoD, said Governor Alia has also abandoned the security of lives and property. Fulani herdsmen have taken over many areas in the state and are maiming innocent villagers. Since the Governor traveled to Sokoto and got a pat on the back from the Caliphate for treating Fulani pastoralists with ‘kindness’, he has remained mute on the killings in his state. No matter how many attacks are reported, he rather tells the people that he is paying salaries and pensions.
As concerned citizens, we at Defenders of Democracy, DoD must continue to hold our leaders accountable and demand more from them. Governor Alia’s poor handling of state resources and the worsening insecurity. His misplaced priorities cannot be swept under the rug. It is time for the people of Benue State to rise up and demand the leadership they deserve – one that is committed to progress, development, and the well-being of all.
We once again demand transparency and accountability from the Benue State Governor. He should tell the people what he is doing with their resources and declare how much he has so far received. It is the right of the people to know how their resources are being spent.
DoD also demands that Governor Alia should clear the arrears of salaries and pensions as other governors have since done. This was one of the promises he made at every campaign rally and the voters believed him. Our people are tired of his lame excuses that National Assembly members from the state and other stakeholders are stopping him from governing well.
Governor Alia, the time for excuses is over. It is time to deliver on the promises made to the people of Benue State, to govern with integrity, vision, and compassion. The people are watching, and history will not be kind to those who squander the trust and resources entrusted to them.
