The New Benue Development Agenda (NBDA) has raised concerns over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s first six months in office, labelling it the most challenging period for the state since the return of democracy in 1999.
Governor Alia, according to the NBDA, faces accusations of being ill-prepared for governance and lacking a clear blueprint for the state’s development.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Tersoo Hwande, expressed disappointment at the government, asserting that the priest-turned-politician has become the most lacklustre governor in the state’s history.
The NBDA’s evaluation of Alia’s administration led to the conclusion that he has fallen short of expectations. Rather than fulfilling campaign promises, the governor has allegedly chosen to engage in unnecessary conflicts with critics, stakeholders, and even members of his party.
Hwande highlighted concerns about the governor’s perceived arrogance, ineptitude, pride, and all-knowing attitude, asserting that these qualities have set Benue State back by over two decades, resulting in increased hunger and hardship.
The NBDA expressed regret over the absence of tangible projects, citing failed promises, lopsided appointments, and marginalization as the only visible outcomes of Alia’s leadership.
Advocating for citizen engagement, the group called on Governor Alia to prioritize discussions with citizens and stakeholders, possibly through town hall meetings.
The NBDA urged the governor to set aside his purported over-inflated ego and acknowledge mistakes in appointments, contract awards, and general conduct.
The statement released by the group reflected the initial optimism surrounding Governor Alia’s election. “Governor Alia’s election was seen as a sigh of relief. Being a Catholic priest, he was likened to the Biblical Moses who will take us to the Promised Land,” it read.
