The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused, Governor Hyacinth Alia of running the state like a Catholic Church parish.
The PDP, in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, at the end of its State Working Commitee meeting in Makurdi, accused the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration of undermining the tenets of democracy and disregarding the core values of transparency and accountability.
But in swift reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, pointed out that the allegation were not only grossly misguided, but also clearly devoid of substance and factual accuracy.
PDP
The PDP in the statement said: “It has become increasingly apparent that the Alia administration operates more like a Catholic parish than a democratic government, fundamentally undermining the principles and tenets of democracy that our citizens rightfully deserve.
“Under Governor Alia’s administration, there is a blatant disregard for the core values of democratic governance, including accountability, transparency, regulatory control, rule of law, political stability and inclusiveness.
“The administration has consistently failed to engage with the people of the state, opting instead for secrecy and exclusion from decision-making processes that affect our lives.
“Critical issues beleaguering our state, including infrastructure decay, lack of basic services and the erosion of public trust remain unaddressed while the government prioritizes white elephant projects like new government houses, new universities and abandoned works on underpass projects in Makurdi and Gboko.
“We demand that the governor lives up to his campaign promises by immediately clearing the backlog of arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities as states are now receiving record allocations from the Federation Allocation Account Committee as comfirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu few months ago.
“Considering the unprecedented enormity of funds accruable to the state under his administration, we wonder the delay in putting smiles on the faces of Benue workers, some of who have already embarked on a strike action.
“The PDP is disturbed that in his nearly two years in office, he is yet to resettle a single displaced person back to his farmland as promised.
“His utter silence in the face of brutal killings of Benue citizens stands condemned. Never in the history of Benue has security degenerated to its present state under his administration, and we are yet to see, hear or feel any concrete measure towards forestalling these killings.
“The PDP also bemoans the abysmal treatment of the other arms of Government like the Benue State House of Assembly (BSHOA), which is now housed in makeshift facilities with plastic chairs.
“The House has become a lame duck under his administration. We are saddened by his utter neglect and disregard for the Legislature as exampled by the continual freezing of State accounts and the abandonment of the Assembly Complex as well as favouritism within its ranks.
“We firmly believe that good governance is not merely a slogan but a requisite for development and citizen well-being.
“Unfortunately, the Alia government has demonstrated a lack of commitment to competence, character and capacity. The absence of effective communication and responsiveness to the needs of the people has left many feeling marginalized and disillusioned.
“We call on the Governor to remember that he is a servant of the people and not a ruler of a parish. It is imperative that the administration shifts its focus from personal interests to the collective welfare of our citizens.
“We call for a recommitment to the ideals of democracy, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and the active participation of all stakeholders in state affairs. We urge Governor Alia to take immediate action to rectify these failings.
“The PDP will continue to advocate for a government that prioritizes the needs and voices of its citizens.
“We stand ready to hold the Alia administration accountable for its actions. We remain united in our commitment to ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld in Benue State.”
Governor Alia replies
Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor pointed out that “PDP in Benue State has once again shamelessly depicted a significant disconnect from the reality of governance under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“Their recent statements are not only grossly misguided but also clearly devoid of substance and factual accuracy.
“For starters, it is obvious that the PDP, under its current leadership, lacks a clear understanding of the principles and tenets of democracy.
“We are not surprised by this, given their show of utmost lack of ideas while in power just a few years ago. Otherwise, if the welfare of the people is prioritized through the provision of food security, the creation and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, and the creation of robust employment opportunities for the youth, what more can be said about effective governance?
“This administration has consistently focused on uplifting the lives of Benue citizens.
“Is this faction of PDP in Benue under the leadership of a former most vicious and worse performed governor to ever rule the state angry that pensioners they once branded as dead people are now smiling?
“Is the PDP not happy that comatose establishments under their reign like the Benue State University Teaching Hospital have been resuscitated and are now booming and have become tourism centres generating good revenue for the state?
“Is the PDP now sad that there are reforms in very critical sectors they destroyed, including the hub of governance, the civil service system?
“Moreover, it is on record that farmers in Benue state for the past two cropping seasons got fertilizer in a timely manner, in abundance and heavily subsidized in the manner it has never been.
“Under Governor Alia, Benue became the first in Africa to subscribe to the UN Volunteers Full Funding Programme. Is this not a bold step to express his commitment to youth empowerment and helping to create for them, more access to leadership opportunities?
“Again, the PDP’s blatant claims on accountability and transparency are specifically ironic.
“Under Governor Alia’s stewardship, Benue has risen to 9th place in the fiscal transparency league for 2024, a glaring improvement from the 36th position perpetually occupied when the PDP was in power, especially in the recent past eight years.
“It should be noted that owing to due diligence by Governor Alia, presently, the budget performance has reached an outstanding 67 percent as of October 2024, with two months remaining in the fiscal year.
“This illustrates the Alia administration’s avowed commitment to prudent financial management, contrasting sharply with the PDP’s history of fiscal irresponsibility.
“Far from the PDP’s allegations, Governor Alia has made it a priority to engage various stakeholders, including trade unions and civil service representatives, to navigate the challenges left by the previous administration. This proactive measure confirms his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and collective tackling of problems.
“It is rather saddening that the PDP’s attempt to label the building of critical infrastructure as “elephant projects”.
“No wonder, it was difficult to find construction sites in Benue during the reign of the faction of the PDP in question here. The construction of sixteen number roads in Makurdi Metropolis with clear-cut drainage drastically prevented the annual flooding of the Wurukum market and its environs. The two underpasses in Gboko and Makurdi can only be termed white elephant projects by anyone who is unfortunately shortsighted.
Projects
“The Alia administration is focused on tangible projects that enhance the lives of our citizens, unlike the PDP, which squandered state resources during its tenure.
“Benue State currently is a complete construction site. If the Mbawuar-Mbausu-Adikpo-Anhula road with spur at Mede -Mbaakon, Gbem-Hegha-Ushongo; Awajir Oju road; Adikpo-Koti Yough Vandeikya road with spur at Tse-Mker; Ogbagaji-Okokolo-Agagbe road; Igumale-Agila road and many others that are simultaneously undergoing construction are still not critical to PDP, then, development must have taken on a different meaning.
“The PDP’s devious audacity to advocate for Benue workers, despite leaving over 11 months of salary arrears, is the height of shamelessness. The workers are aware and happy with Governor Alia’s plans for them.
“As a man of integrity he is addressing these arrears methodically, with five months already included in the 2024 budget. Already, four months have been paid. Alia represents due diligence. Under him, transparency and due process are paramount; all expenditures must be budgeted accordingly.
“Governor Alia is committed to the resettlement of Internally Displaced People, IDPs. His quiet yet effective approach contrasts sharply with the perpetual conscious chaos of the PDP era. Many residents have already returned to their homes, especially in Guma and Makurdi, and the ongoing dry season will further create convenience and facilitate this process. The sense of relative peace in Benue since Governor Alia took office is testimonial to his worthwhile leadership.
“The PDP’s rhetoric is clearly steeped in vexatious hypocrisy and obsequious ignorance.
“Governor Alia remains dedicated to consistently projecting genuine progress and development in Benue State. We urge the PDP to reflect on its past and acknowledge the positive changes that are presently taking place under this administration.”
