Friday, December 6th, 2024
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has once again shamelessly depicted a significant disconnect from the reality of governance under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. 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 Gov. 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% 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.
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.
Finally, 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.
Sir Tersoo Kula, MNIPR
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
