Benue state at the moment is witnessing aggressive transformation in major spheres under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
Governor Alia, a reverend gentleman, intellectually well equipped, came well prepared with a vision. His rescue messages during his campaigns, were taken to the length and breath of the state, including his day to day direct interface with the people. As the then candidate , the Governor was not oblivious of the daunting challenges involved fixing the state he was coming to face.
This was because, for many years, the people of Benue State endured a painful era under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule, headed by Mr. Samuel Ortom.
It was a period many citizens now prefer to describe as the “days of locust,” as they were marked by hardship and uncertainty.
The basics of governance including payment of salaries became irregular, while senior citizens who had sacrificed their youthful years in service to the state were abandoned to suffering and tears.
The cries of retirees became a daily reminder of a government that had completely lost touch with the people.
Despite huge allocations and reckless heavy borrowings, the state’s debt profile continued to rise alarmingly, with little to show in terms of meaningful development.
During this time, many interventions including a humongous amount of money in the name of Bailout were sent to the state. This was in addition to not having fewer than two tranches of Paris Refund money sent to the state, amongst other reasonable federal and international interventions.
Yet, road networks in the state deteriorated, while heavy decay of public infrastructure was visible, with the overall governance dominated by excuses.
Infact, deceit reigned supreme under the regime. Media propaganda was elevated as a state craft, with the administration offering no practical solutions. Promises were repeatedly made, but scarcely fulfilled.
Their lies were further exposed when the Alia government upon assumption of office found out that, the Ortom administration had left behind over N300 billion at the state level, and over a N100bn of local government debts, as against N187.56 billion written in his handover note.
As at today, the judgement debts running into billions which the Alia administration has been forced to grapple with, with garnishee orders here and there, are all courtesy of the misgovernance of the previous administration.
The people of Benue State were fed with rhetoric while hunger, frustration, and hopelessness spread across the land.
Today, however, it is glaring how Benue is witnessing a refreshing new chapter under the purposeful and transformative leadership of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The difference is clear and undeniable!
The Benue workforce now carries out their duties with renewed enthusiasm because salaries and other welfare packages are receiving the deserved attention. Pensioners who once felt forgotten and were termed ‘dead people’ have regained hope and dignity.
Across the state, the once decayed infrastructures are receiving urgent attention while strategic reforms are being introduced to reposition Benue for sustainable growth and prosperity.
At the same time, Governor Alia has already, in less than 3 years, completed reasonable legacy projects which includes: establishment of a specialized University at Ihugh, establishment of a multi-million Food Basket Brewery, a Fruit Juice Company, rehabilitated and revived the Otobi Water works that is supplying portable water in Otobi, Otukpo and environs.
Again, with the urban renewal agenda of the administration which has seen the completion of over 40 intra city roads, installation of solar lights across the major metropolis as well as institutional reforms, the signs of responsible governance are visible. Benue is gradually lighting up again with hope, confidence, and development.
The outing by Ortom’s spokesman on the Arise Television earlier on Monday, May 25th, 2026, where he desperately tried to undermine the developmental strides of Governor Hyacinth Alia, is not surprising to anyone.
A political family whose legacy is centered on propaganda cannot identify and acknowledge development when they see one. That outing was a dress rehearsal, and a trial to reintroduce propaganda to see if it can be bought by the Benue people.
Unfortunately, they are blinded to the fact that the people have seen the contrast. The Benue people have come to understand the difference between leadership and propaganda; the difference between progress and deception.
Benue cannot be deceived again into returning to the PDP days of locust.
The state has moved forward, and the people are determined to protect the new path of progress.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
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