Amid swirling allegations regarding a ₦44 billion underpass construction contract in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has vehemently denied the accusations. The Governor dismissed claims questioning the legitimacy of the contract, asserting that it was awarded at a realistic cost of ₦6 billion.
The denial was reiterated during a press conference at the Government House in Makurdi, where Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula represented Governor Alia. Kula firmly addressed the accusations and clarified that the high-level underpass project was among three proposed constructions by the state government. Additionally, Kula revealed that the Wurukum flyover project, initially budgeted at ₦9 billion, had been re-awarded by the federal government for approximately ₦20 billion, following proactive measures by the state government.
Regarding allegations linking increased herders’ attacks to the dissolution of Local Government councils, Kula emphasized the government’s commitment to investigating the matter. The government is scrutinizing a letter purportedly instructing herders to reclaim parts of the state.
Moreover, Kula debunked assertions of a 13.11% budget allocation to the Governor’s office, clarifying that only ₦5.2 billion, representing 2.3% of the budget, was allocated to the Governor’s office in the 2024 budget.
In response to inquiries about free West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) registration, Kula assured the public that Governor Alia had arranged for students in government-owned schools to have their examination fees directly paid to the respective bodies. This measure aims to prevent exploitation and reduce excessive handling charges for the students.
