A war of words has erupted between the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, following accusations that Governor Hyacinth Alia is governing the state like a Catholic parish.
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In a statement after its State Working Committee meeting in Makurdi, PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, criticized Governor Alia’s administration for allegedly undermining democratic principles, lacking transparency, and sidelining the people from decision-making processes.
The PDP claimed the governor’s approach to governance was akin to the operations of a Catholic parish, undermining democratic values such as accountability, inclusivity, and rule of law.
The PDP also accused the Alia administration of neglecting critical issues such as infrastructure decay, basic services, and public trust.
They pointed to abandoned projects like the Makurdi-Gboko underpass and new government buildings, which they described as “white elephant projects.”
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The PDP further expressed concern over unpaid salaries and pensions, despite the state receiving significant federal allocations.
They also criticized the administration’s lack of action on resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the deteriorating security situation in the state.
Responding to these accusations, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless and devoid of factual accuracy.
Kula argued that the PDP’s leadership lacked a clear understanding of democratic governance, highlighting that the PDP’s tenure had been marked by mismanagement and neglect.
He pointed to several achievements under Alia’s administration, such as the timely distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers, the revival of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and Benue’s improved ranking in fiscal transparency.
He also defended the government’s focus on infrastructure, including the construction of roads and drainage systems to prevent flooding, and the ongoing construction of key roads in the state.
Kula also refuted claims about unpaid salaries, emphasizing that the Alia administration had already paid four months of arrears and included five months of salary payments in the 2024 budget.
He further highlighted the governor’s efforts to resettle IDPs and the overall improvement in the state’s security situation.
In conclusion, Kula accused the PDP of hypocrisy, particularly for advocating for workers’ welfare while leaving behind months of unpaid salaries during their own time in office.
He praised Governor Alia for his integrity, transparency, and commitment to addressing the state’s challenges, urging the PDP to recognize the positive changes occurring under the current administration.
