By Donald Kumun
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has been the subject of relentless, baseless, and ill-intentioned allegations by political detractors whose only interest is to derail the progress being made under his administration. These accusations are not only vexatious but porous and easily refutable when placed against the undeniable evidence of Governor Alia’s commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and the welfare of Benue State citizens.
This article aims to comprehensively debunk these unfounded allegations and expose the true motives of those spreading misinformation.
First and foremost, it must be stated and made abundantly clear that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Benue State. His administration is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy through transparent governance, strategic infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and social welfare programs.
Under his leadership, roads are being constructed, healthcare services have improved, and education is receiving the attention it deserves. His government is also prioritizing agricultural development as a conscientious effort to harness the state’s vast agricultural potential for economic growth and food security.
Governor Alia is ensuring prudent management of resources, fostering an environment conducive to investment, and restoring confidence in governance. His leadership is people-centered, with policies designed to uplift the living standards of every Benue citizen.
Detractors who seek to undermine his progress must recognize that his administration is built on integrity and service to the people. The focus remains on transformative leadership, empowerment, and ensuring that Benue State reaches its full potential. Governor Alia, after his constitutionally guaranteed 8 years, is determined to leave a lasting legacy of progress, peace, and prosperity, economic, political and social stability and nothing will derail his mission to develop the state for the benefit of all.
Now, to the infantile issues published over the week.
In a conspicuously sponsored publication of Sunday March 31, 2025, in the Nation newspaper, on page 33 titled: “How Alia’s gamble is threatening APC’s stronghold in Benue”, the detractors are claiming that Governor Alia is not interested in the reconciliation efforts by the APC national leadership to foster peace between him and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. However, records indicate that Governor Alia has, on multiple occasions, expressed his readiness to work harmoniously with all party stakeholders, including the SGF. The governor understands the importance of party unity and remains committed to ensuring that Benue APC remains a formidable force. It is rather these detractors’ continuous efforts to malign the Governor and the good governance in the State that is THE GAMBLE THREATENING APC’s STRONGHOLD IN BENUE. Aside from the political angle, the Governor also endorsed the efforts of the paramount ruler of the Tiv ethnic nationality, the Begha and Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse. He (Governor Alia), understands the importance of party unity and remains committed to ensuring that Benue APC remains a formidable force.
One of the most ridiculous claims is that despite receiving huge revenue allocations, Governor Alia has failed to develop infrastructure in Benue State. This assertion is not only false but also an insult to the intelligence of the good people of Benue who are witnesses to the rapid transformation occurring in their state.
From roads to healthcare facilities, schools, and rural electrification, humanitarian services to the IDPs, prompt payment of salaries, youth empowerment programs, revitslization of industries in the State, cohesion of the civil servants’ productivity, rural roads ongoing constructions, a month others, Governor Alia has prioritized projects that have direct impacts on the lives of the people. The Makurdi-Gboko Road, Otukpo Township Roads, and several other infrastructural initiatives, have been executed and are ongoing as stated above. His government is also addressing the water supply challenges in Makurdi and other areas. Therefore, the claim of no commensurate development is a baseless political gimmick aimed at misleading the public.
The claim that the future of APC in Benue State is fragile is outright false. The overwhelming support for Governor Alia by the people of Benue State, attests to the party’s solid footing in the state. With the governor’s impressive performance in office, the party continues to enjoy mass acceptance by the people. This, they do so because of the believe that Governor Alia has instilled in them of the new narrative about leadership and good governance. The fabricators of this claim fail to realize that the majority of Benue people are politically conscious and will not be swayed by cheap blackmail.
Some have alleged that Governor Alia has alienated party stakeholders, yet the governor has consistently engaged party leaders and members in key decision-making processes. He maintains a deliberate policy of holding consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusivity in governance. The real issue is that some self-serving politicians, who expected to be given absolute control over state resources, are bitter that Governor Alia refuses to pander to their selfish interests.
There is another devilish assertion that Dr. Benjamin Omakolo is working towards moving APC into SDP as written in the publication, even though the detractors were referring to the current APC State Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, is another laughable falsehood. Governor Alia remains a committed member of APC, and there are no plans whatsoever to defect to another party. The attempt to create confusion through unfounded claims is yet another failed strategy of detractors who fear the growing influence of the Alia administration.
Governor Alia has made security a top priority. His administration has worked tirelessly to curb insecurity in various parts of the state. The claim that he has abandoned his duty to secure lives is not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to undermine his efforts. From equipping security agencies to deploying intelligence-based strategies, the governor continues to ensure the safety of Benue citizens. Even in flashpoints, these monumental efforts are yielding results.
The governor has consistently engaged with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and party chieftains. The claims of non-consultation are baseless and only propagated by those who wish to hijack the political process for personal gain.
The fallacy that only Austin Agada is leading and sustaining the support of most APC National Assembly members, led by Senator Titus Zam, is absurd. Governor Alia enjoys broad-based support, and his leadership has strengthened the party’s influence both at the state and national levels. What has Agada really done that earned him this appellation?
The October 2024 local government elections were conducted fairly, despite attempts by political opportunists to discredit the process. Governor Alia ensured a level playing field, and the outcome reflected the will of the people. Critics are merely expressing their frustration over their inability to manipulate the electoral process to their advantage.
Governor Alia has demonstrated respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers. The allegation of executive recklessness and friction with the legislature is a fabrication aimed at creating the illusion of a crisis where none exists. His government has maintained a cordial working relationship with the State House of Assembly, ensuring smooth governance.
Solomon Adodo’s baseless request for the EFCC to investigate the alleged N500 million allocation for the removal of Maurice Ikpyambese as Chief Judge of Benue State, as captured in the publication, eis pure mischief. The Adodo in reference here has continuously behaved like a professional blackmailer who seeks to tarnish the image of the governor without a shred of evidence. He should be made to understand that in Benue state, Governor Alia operates with transparency and accountability, and such fabricated claims hold no water.
The notion that Governor Alia masterminded the suspension of 13 House of Assembly members is a poorly concocted tale. The decision was taken in line with due process, and the governor had no undue influence over legislative matters.
The allegation that Governor Alia is doing nothing to address the killings in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, Sankera axis, and other areas is another desperate attempt to mislead the public. The governor has worked relentlessly with security agencies to tackle these challenges, leading to a significant reduction in violence.
The claim that Governor Alia is in an unholy alliance with former Governor Gabriel Suswam is laughable. There is no evidence to support this claim, and it is simply another divisive tactic by those who fear the governor’s rising political strength. What stops Governor Alia from working and been in good terms with a prominent and worthy son of the state? Where does any extant prohibited this? It must however be stated unequivocally that, any relationship that will never see the accrual of tangible benefits or those anchored on the chains of personal aggrandisement will never be tolerated by the Governor.
The assertion that APC faces a catastrophic situation in Benue State in the 2027 elections, is wishful thinking by these detractors. The reality is that Governor Alia’s performance is earning him even greater support, and the party is set for a landslide victory come 2027.
Governor Alia’s administration, is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State. The baseless allegations against him are mere distractions by those who have lost political relevance. The people of Benue State remain steadfast in their support for the governor, who continues to work tirelessly to transform the state for the better.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi.
