Benue Advocacy Network (BAN) says it is left with no option but to once again make this appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia to address the mounting concerns of the people of Benue State regarding governance, transparency, and security.
in a statement signed by its president, Enoch Bemshima Ortese, the group said having observed the developments over the past two years of the Alia’s administration, it is imperative that the governor responds transparently to the issues outlined below, which are critical to restoring public trust and ensuring the welfare of our people.
1. Publication of Financial Receipts and Expenditure
We challenge Governor Alia to transparently publish the monthly allocations received from the federation’s account, including the Federal Allocation from FAAC and internally generated revenue (IGR), from May 2023 to date. Such disclosures are essential for accountability and for the people to understand how public funds are being managed.
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2. Accountability in Financial Management
There is an urgent need for the governor to detail how Benue’s funds are being expended. This includes providing a comprehensive breakdown of the state’s wage bill, especially after claims of removing “ghost workers” from the payroll. The people deserve to know the actual number of workers, their salaries, and the total amount being paid.
3. Zero Projects Commissioned in Two Years
BAN wonders why Governor Alia who is in his 3rd year in office has not commissioned a single project despite receiving huge allocations from the federation’s account following subsidy removal. Other governors who are also in their first term have been commissioning numerous projects and inviting the President to perform the project commissioning, and Governor Alia has attended many of the commissioning ceremonies without any iota of shame.
President Tinubu had to advise the Benue governor during a town hall meeting in Makurdi to consult his counterparts in other states to find out how they are succeeding and performing well.
4. Award of Contracts
We demand the publication of details concerning all contracts awarded by the state government, including the contract sums, names of contractors, and contractual terms (even as the jobs don’t seem to ever be completed). This transparency is vital to confirm that due process has been followed and that public funds are not being misappropriated.
5. Cost of Infrastructure Projects
The ongoing construction of underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko has spanned more than two years. We call on Governor Alia to publish the actual costs of these projects, along with the scope and contractors involved, to assure the people that funds are being judiciously spent.
6. Disbursement of Security Funds and Security Situation
There are reports that the governor takes a monthly security vote of N3.5 billion. We urge the governor to account for how these funds have been utilized to enhance security and protect lives. Additionally, he should provide an update on the security situation in the state, especially in light of sustained attacks and the whereabouts of the vehicles displayed during the launch of the “Anyam Nyor” security outfit, which remain unseen in any part of the state.
7. Management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Instead of fulfilling his promise to return IDPs to their ancestral homes within the first 100 days of his administration, the governor has constructed additional camps and tents for the displaced people. We demand an explanation for this approach and a clear plan for the safe and sustainable return of the IDPs.
8. State of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law and Herdsmen Activities
What has become of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017? Why are herders increasingly taking over more Benue communities without any visible action from the state government? The people deserve clarity on these issues and concrete steps to curb insecurity and protect communal lands.
9. Local Government Autonomy and Funding
We call for the full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy in Benue State. Local councils must be empowered to access their rightful funds directly from the federation account. This autonomy is crucial for effective local governance, development, and security. For over two years, Benue’s local governments have been unable to execute even basic projects like boreholes and sanitation facilities because of the financial strangulation by the Alia administration.
10. Payment of Arrears of Salaries and Pensions
Benue State remains the only state still owing salaries, pensions, and gratuities arrears despite the removal of fuel subsidy and increased federal allocations. We demand that governor Alia prioritize clearing these arrears, as a demonstration of good governance and respect for workers and pensioners who have served the state diligently. No other state is talking about salary and pension arrears as other governors have since cleared the backlog.
Governor Alia should remember President Tinubu’s words to him when the President said no Governor is now borrowing to pay salaries. We recall that under President Buhari, 28 states could not pay salaries and pensions because the funds were not available; but with the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, allocations to states and local governments have increased by 500%.
BAN urges Governor Alia to respond to these issues promptly and openly. Failure to do so will only deepen public distrust and undermine the progress of our beloved state.