- Opposition demands accountability, transparency in Alia-led administration
- PDP decries neglect of critical issues, calls for immediate action on workers’ welfare
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly managing the state with the mindset of a Catholic parish, undermining democratic principles. Governor Alia, a former Catholic priest who transitioned into politics during the 2023 general election, has been accused of abandoning key governance values like transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
In a strongly worded statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, the PDP lamented the Governor’s administrative approach, describing it as secretive and exclusionary.
“The Alia administration operates more like a Catholic parish than a democratic government, fundamentally undermining the principles and tenets of democracy that our citizens rightfully deserve. Key governance values, such as regulatory control, rule of law, political stability, and inclusiveness, have been ignored,” the statement read.
The PDP highlighted pressing issues, including infrastructure decay, unaddressed basic services, and the government’s focus on “white elephant projects” such as new government buildings and universities, while critical initiatives like resettling displaced persons and addressing arrears of salaries, pensions, and gratuities remain stalled.
The statement also criticized the administration’s handling of state finances, questioning why significant funds received from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) have not translated into tangible benefits for Benue citizens.
“States are now receiving record allocations from FAAC, as confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With this unprecedented revenue, we wonder why Governor Alia has failed to clear salary arrears and alleviate the plight of workers, some of whom have already gone on strike,” the party stated.
Security and Governance Concerns
The PDP expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Benue, condemning what it termed the governor’s “utter silence” on the brutal killings of citizens.
“Never in the history of Benue has security degenerated to this level. The administration has shown no concrete measures to forestall these killings,” the statement read.
The opposition party also bemoaned the alleged neglect of the Benue State House of Assembly, which it claimed now operates under makeshift arrangements with substandard facilities.
“The Assembly has become a lame duck under this administration, with state accounts frozen, the Assembly Complex abandoned, and favoritism crippling its ranks,” the PDP asserted.
Call for Action
The PDP urged Governor Alia to refocus on the collective welfare of Benue citizens, emphasizing the need for democratic ideals such as accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness.
“Governor Alia must remember that he is a servant of the people, not a ruler of a parish. His administration must prioritize the needs of the citizens over personal interests,” the statement declared.
The opposition party pledged to continue advocating for good governance and holding the administration accountable, asserting its commitment to ensuring that democracy thrives in Benue State.
“We stand united in our commitment to ensuring the principles of democracy are upheld in Benue State,” the PDP concluded.
