In a strongly worded statement, former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Engr. Prof. Joseph Alakali, has categorically denied allegations made by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who described him as a thief during a public event on Sunday February 9 at NKST church Ikpayongo. The remarks, which have circulated widely on social media, prompted Alakali to set the record straight regarding his tenure and conduct while in office.
In his response, Alakali expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state and emphasized his integrity, stating, “I am not a thief, have never been a thief, and will never be one.” He highlighted his commitment to the people of Benue, asserting that he handled his duties with the utmost responsibility and transparency.
Alakali, who served as SSG from May 30, 2023, to September 9, 2024, articulated the principles guiding his service, including a personal oath to uphold legitimacy and accountability. He stated, “I adopted a slogan to myself and the Cabinet Office Staff that ‘whatever is legitimate to me I am willing to get but not anything outside this’.”
In addressing specific accusations regarding the alleged sale of government information, particularly concerning passports, Alakali firmly denied any wrongdoing. “I have never sold any single Benue passport or government information,” he declared, noting that he even refunded N75 million to the state government, acknowledging it as unspent funds from compensation payments. He then wondered how a man who refunded millions under his care will go about selling passports. “What could I actually have gotten from the sale of passports when I was a whole SSG of Benue and had many avenues to be corrupt? How much can one get from the sale of passports?” He retorted.
The professor of food engineering and academic leader also expressed disappointment with the governor’s public remarks, stating that they were not only unfounded but also damaging to his character. Alakali urged Gov. Alia to retract his statements, emphasizing that he should not be labeled a thief without evidence or due process.
Alakali further appealed to the governor’s sense of justice, invoking their shared faith as Christians and praying for a resolution grounded in truth and integrity. “The Almighty, Just and True God who is above us all is between us, and the truth is bare before Him,” he remarked.
This exchange highlights a growing tension within Benue State’s political arena as both men navigate the complexities of leadership and public service. In recent times Governor Alia has been seen making statements against certain political figures in the state who are sympathetic to other leaders in the state. Alakali’s response is a call for accountability and fairness in the face of serious allegations.
