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Tag: Alia

  • I’m not leaving APC that brought me to office for SDP – Alia

    I’m not leaving APC that brought me to office for SDP – Alia

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia of Benue says he will not dump the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting his party brought him to power.

    Alia dispelled the rumours of his defection in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    The governor said that he had never contemplated leaving the party that brought him to office.

    According to him, the people promoting such lies on social media were only trying to sow a seed of discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    “These actions do not only wholly miss the mark, but they also portray a significant lack of awareness regarding my bond with the president.

    “The lies that I am contemplating a shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others is absolutely gratuitous and lacks any trustworthy evidence.

    “In an attempt to supply credence to their soaring fictions, these detractors have resorted to recycling an innocuous picture from an old visit, which has been manipulated to complete their account.

    “This is after they, through their infamous hirelings, viciously speculated that the former governor of Kaduna State visited Makurdi. They forgot that official security reports follow such visits,” he said.

    Alia further stated that as the leader of the party in Benue, he successfully resurrected the party, which was on the threshold of recession prior to the 2019 elections.

    “Our laudable performance in office has not solely enhanced the APC but has further forced opposition parties into refuge.

    “It is an established fact that a wise individual builds a strong foundation and does not solicit shelter under another’s roof.

    “And since taking over office, we have strived faithfully to reconnect Benue with the Federal Government, culminating in an overabundance of benefits comprising plum appointments for our people.

    “Our commitment to the “Renewed Hope” mantra championed by President Tinubu is conspicuous in the transformational advancement initiatives being implemented across the state,” he added.

    The governor said that attempts to undermine his leadership would fail woefully.

  • Ortom is envious of Gov. Alia’s security achievements – CPS

    Ortom is envious of Gov. Alia’s security achievements – CPS

    Mr Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, says the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, is envious of Alia’s achievements, particularly in the area of security.

    Kula, in a statement on Tuesday in Makurdi, said Alia’s commitment to peaceful and secure Benue was often spitefully mischaracterised by his critics, particularly his predecessor.

    Recall that Ortom, in a statement on Monday signed by his media aide, Mr Terver Akase, accused Alia of playing politics with insecurity.

    The former governor stated that the difference between him and Alia was that while he stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know the truth.

    But reacting to the statement, Kula said Alia never said there was absolute peace in Benue but rather stated that the security situation improved significantly since he became governor.

    The CPS pointed out that it was a statement of fact that attacks on innocent farmers and citizens reduced significantly since the inception of Alia’s administration.

    He emphasised that under Alia, daily mass killings have significantly diminished, allowing residents to feel safer in their communities.

    “Gov. Alia has never said there is absolute peace in Benue. He has been consistent that relative peace has returned in the state under his watch.

    “And it is important for Ortom and his co-travellers to understand the distinction between relative peace and absolute peace.

    “While absolute peace may be unattainable, especially as it entails the state or country being completely free of security challenges, the relative peace currently being experienced in Benue is significant,” he said.

    The CPS said people who hitherto could not access their ancestral homes now go there to farm, adding that some have even returned and settled back home.

    He added that markets that were once closed because of insecurity were now thriving again.

    “In Guma Local Government Area (LGA), where Ortom hails from, local markets like Kaseyo, Ortese, Gbajimba, Daudu, etc. have reopened, showcasing a resurgence in commerce and a return to normalcy.

    “This economic revival is a testament to improved security and governmental effectiveness.

    “Alia has effectively reduced the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. And while his predecessor claimed there were four million IDPs, recent profiling shows fewer than one million remain in camps.

    “This exodus from IDP camps shows that many families have returned to their ancestral homes, further signifying a return to stability.

    “The resurgence of agricultural activities in Mbagwen and Isherev districts in Makurdi and surrounding areas underscores the positive impact of the current administration’s efforts to restore peace and confidence,” he said.

    Kula admitted that while there are still security challenges in some parts of the state, Alia was actively working to address these issues.

    He said the governor’s approach was constructive and focused on problem-solving rather than engaging in political grandstanding or fearmongering.

    “Governor Alia is taking a quiet but effective approach to tackling insecurity in Benue. He is working diligently to eliminate the rate of insecurity, and for that, he deserves commendation rather than vituperations.

    “It does not surprise us that the diatribe is coming from the people who instigated all the security challenges, which Gov.

    “Alia is committed to finding solutions rather than just talking about the problems.

    “Alia’s actions so far only demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving security and fostering a peaceful environment in Benue. He deserves support rather than unfounded accusations or politicisation of the situation.

    “And the last person to criticise the governor in this regard should be Ortom,” he said.

  • Alia playing politics with Benue insecurity – Ortom

    Alia playing politics with Benue insecurity – Ortom

    The immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, of playing politics with the continuous insecurity bedevilling the state.

    Ortom stated this in a statement on Tuesday signed by his media aide, Mr Terver Akase, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    The former governor said that he watched with shock and sadness a video clip where Alia told the NKST Church Ikpayongo congregation in Gwer East LGA on Sunday that since he assumed office, armed herders have stopped attacking and killing people.

    He said Alia also levelled several lies against him, whom he accused of feigning an assassination attempt on his life in 2021.

    Ortom also said that the governor said, unlike during the previous administration when killings were on a daily basis, his tenure has witnessed absolute peace across the state, as attacks have ended and the people now go about their normal activities.

    “While we may not bother with the theatrics of the governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East.

    “One of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst herdsmen attacks under his watch with many people killed, others injured and property worth billions destroyed.

    “The people of Gwer who were in that church must have felt grossly dismayed on hearing such words coming from a man who is their governor.

    “There have been uncountable mass burials during Alia’s administration in many parts of the state as a result of attacks, particularly in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, Otukpo, among others.

    “This government only attempts to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” said.

    The former stated that the difference between him and Alia was that while he stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know the truth.

    According to him, people are still under attacks, and wanton killings have been taking place in communities on a higher level than during his time.

    Ortom urged Alia to apologise to the people of Benue for his insensitivity in claiming there are no more herders’ attacks in the state, especially when many have been traumatised after burying their loved ones.

    However, Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Alia, challenged the former governor to take a walk through his home local government of Guma, which was the epicentre of armed attacks when he hailed sway to power, and see things for himself.

    Kula said the people in Guma have returned home to pick up the pieces of their lives.

    He said his principal did not lie about the present security of the state, adding that relative peace, as cited by Alia, had indeed returned to the state despite pockets of attacks in some local government areas.

    “Alia acknowledged that there is relative peace, not absolute peace. However, compared to a time when attacks occurred daily, even targeting IDP camps, the situation has significantly improved.

    “Even in Ortom’s home LGA, attacks are no longer as frequent as they were during his administration. While some attempted attacks have occurred in certain areas, they are no longer a daily reality.

    “Today, Alia is caring for fewer than one million displaced persons in the state, unlike Ortom’s time when there were four million IDPs, an indication that many have returned to their farms.

    “All markets in Guma are now operational because residents have returned home. The governor is not lying.

    “Fighting insecurity is not about constant public outcry; it requires real solutions. Ortom left Benue in ruins. He should be ashamed and seek forgiveness from the people, “he said.

  • Benue gov, Alia’s aides disagree over revenue collection

    Benue gov, Alia’s aides disagree over revenue collection

    Aides of Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue have been enmeshed in serious disagreement over who should collect revenue in the State Ministry of Education.

    The Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, and the Director General (D-G) Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), Dr Terna Francis, are at the centre of the squabble.

    In a series of letters exchanged between the two top aides, they all insisted on the collection of the revenue on behalf of the government.

    Kyaan, in a letter to education stakeholders titled “Strong Directive” and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Helen Nambativ, categorically told the schools not to conduct any financial transaction with the bureau.

    He also directed the stakeholders to resist every attempt by BEQA staff to confiscate the federal and Benue governments approved school records.

    “The Ministry of Education has been inundated with complaints of seizures of government-approved records contrary to its directives, which were in line with the 2024/2025 budget, the ministry defended.

    “In view of the above, I have been directed by the honourable commissioner to cautiously inform you that the Ministry of Education has at no time mandated BEQA to collect her revenue.

    “That henceforth, you are strongly cautioned not to transact financial deals with BEQA. You are to resist every attempt by BEQA staff to confiscate the federal and Benue State governments approved school records,” the letter reads.

    However, in response to the ministry’s letter, the BEQA director general stated categorically that the bureau was not under the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.

    Francis, in his letter titled “Re: Strong Directive,” said the bureau was established by the governor through an executive order issued on December 8, 2023, published and gazetted in the same year.

    He said that according to the order, existing Quality Assurance Departments/Directorates under the ministry, along with other departments performing quality assurance functions within the Benue education sector, shall be merged into BEQA, which would continue to carry out its functions.

    “Let it be made abundantly clear that BEQA is not under the Ministry of Education, and the director general is directly answerable to the office of the governor.

    “BEQA, being a bureau, has a separate budget, distinct from that of the ministry. It is established as an independent body to curb corruption, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure effectiveness in monitoring and evaluation towards an upliftment of education standards.

    “BEQA is empowered to maintain appropriate policies pertaining to quality assurance.

    “No one is contesting the position of the ministry on policy matters affecting the state. There are six other departments and many parastatals in the ministry with so many other broad responsibilities.

    “It is only the department of quality assurance that has been taken away. There is still so much the ministry can focus on doing to improve education in the state,” he stated in his letter.

    Francis said that the executive order also empowered BEQA to produce and circulate all school records and guidelines.

    “It is essential to understand that when a governor makes a public pronouncement or issues an executive order, public servants and all responsible are expected to comply without challenge.

    “Executive orders are official documents and laws that outline the policies, procedures, or actions the governor wishes to implement.

    “Challenging or attempting to alter an executive order can lead to serious consequences,” he added.

  • Alia hands over truck of diverted palliatives to EFCC, ICPC

    Alia hands over truck of diverted palliatives to EFCC, ICPC

    Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue has handed over a truck load of palliatives, he confiscated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for investigation.

    This is contained in a press statement  by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, which was made available in Makurdi on Wednesday.

    Alia in the statement, while handing over the palliatives to the anti-graft agencies urged them to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

    NAN recalls that a truck conveying palliatives meant for IDPs in the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency was caught offloading same at a private residence along Kilometre 2 in Makurdi.

    Also recall that the governor upon discovery of the incident confiscated the truck and moved it to Government House to ascertain why palliatives meant for Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency were being offloaded in a private residence in Makurdi.

    According to the statement, checks later revealed that the palliatives, which were loaded from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, had found their way to a private residence under the directives of Mr Terseer Ugbor, the representative of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency.

    Alia, who admitted that he ordered the truck to be impounded at government house, said he wanted to know why goods released from NEMA for distribution to IDPs in Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency were being offloaded at a private residence in Makurdi.

    He stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the goods were coming from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and were meant to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    The governor, who spoke to NEMA headquarters upon his return from the United Kingdom, expressed displeasure over the discoveries of some hidden facts regarding the matter.

    “In a letter from NEMA headquarters addressed to the representative of the Kwande/Ushongo constituency, Terseer Ugbor, who actually lobbied for the materials, the agency specified that the state government should pay for the expenses of lifting the materials in Jos, and that the materials should be taken to the state by NEMA and handed over to SEMA.”the statement stated.

    Alia, who  said other trucks conveying other materials such as mattresses were still missing, urged anti-graft agencies to liaise with a three-man committee from the state and conduct a thorough investigation to uncover more facts.

    He said the materials were to be distributed directly to the affected persons by officials from the Agency’s North Central Zonal Office in collaboration with the Benue SEMA team.

    He  called on the Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, officers of the EFCC, and a few others to monitor the situation and ensure that due process was followed and that the materials were distributed to the rightful people.

    The governor thanked President Bola  Tinubu for having Benue people at heart, calling on National Assembly members to consider the conditions of vulnerable people in their state and ensure that they provide for their constituents whatever the federal government gives.

    The statement noted that NEMA leadership in a phone conversation with Alia  thanked him for being vigilant and also promised to continue to collaborate with the state government to ensure the fair distribution of any materials coming from the federal government.

  • Gov Alia swears-in first Benue female SSG

    Gov Alia swears-in first Benue female SSG

    Gov Hyacinth Alia on Thursday sworn in Serumun Aber as the first  female Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, Gov Alia said he had confidence in her ability to succeed on the given mandate.

    He said her responsibilities include ensuring the effective coordination of activities, fostering collaboration across ministries, driving policies and initiative that would led to the sustainable development of Benue state.

    He expressed confidence that with the new SSG, his administration would continue to build a Benue that would be prosperous, inclusive and focused on delivering tangible benefits to the citizens.

    He said his administration recognised the important roles women play in society, adding that her appointment as the first female SSG reflected his government’s determination to elevate merit and diversity in leadership.

    “As the first woman ever to be appointed as SSG in Benue State, Barrister Aber’s appointment is a testament to the confidence I and indeed this administration have in the abilities of the women of Benue.

    “We recognize the important roles women play in our society and this appointment reflects our determination to elevate merit and diversity in leadership,” the governor said.

    He called on public servants, stakeholders and the entire people of Benue to give the new SSG and his administration the needed support to succeed.

    Gov Alia explained that her background made her to qualify for the position and expressed hope that she would execute her duties with the highest level of integrity, dedication and affection.

    In her response, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Serumun Aber, appreciated God and Gov. Alia for the opportunity given her to serve the state as the first female SSG.

    Aber promised to pilot the affairs of her office with diligence and dedication in line with the administration’s blueprint, setting the foundation for a better and more prosperous Benue.

    She said her role was to ensure that the seven points agenda of Gov Alia were implemented  by working closely with the governor, public servants and other critical stakeholders towards building a prosperous future for Benue.

    The SSG explained that as a mother she understood the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where every voice was heard.

  • Alia expresses sadness over fresh killings in Benue

    Alia expresses sadness over fresh killings in Benue

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has expressed sadness over another unprovoked attack on Ayati Village in Ukum Local Government Area, where many people were reportedly killed.

    Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, condemned the new wave of attacks.

    The governor, who expressed worry over the attack on unarmed innocent citizens by armed bandits, said that such heinous acts have continued in the state despite the strong security presence.

    He, however, makes a firm determination to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum, which has been on the front lines of attacks lately.

    Alia called on security agencies to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.

    The governor condoled with the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate attack and prayed God to comfort them.

    He assured the people that his administration would continue to explore both discreet and open measures with a view to ensuring that Sankera retraces her path of peace and lives happily again.

  • Without massive women votes I wouldn’t be governor – Alia

    Without massive women votes I wouldn’t be governor – Alia

    Benue State Governor. Hyacinth Alia has acknowledged that without the massive votes of women in the state, he would not have won the 2023 Governorship Election.

    Alia stated this on Saturday in Makurdi, during the launch of the 774 Explode Project, an initiative of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady.

    The 774 Explode Project, is being promoted by Dr Mary Alile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Woman Leader.

    The governor said without the massive votes of women, he and President Bola Tinubu, would not have won elections in 2023, and therefore, reassured them of their continued support.

    He said since he did not have a first lady, all great women of Benue State were his first ladies, while Mrs Tinubu was the mother of the state.

    He assured women in the state that he would continue to support them to attain their goals and realise their potential.

    On 774 Explode Project, Alia said his administration would ensure that Benue remained number one in its implementation nationwide.

    He said after training and skills acquisition by the women in their chosen skills, they would each receive N500,000 take-off support from the state government.

    He commended Mrs Tinubu for the initiative, and the APC national woman leader for promoting it across the country.

    He said the state was very grateful to Mrs the first lady for all the support, both in cash and in kind, to Benue women.

    He said so far, Benue women had benefitted from the provision of grains, fertiliser, scholarships, and several other things from the office of the First lady of Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the project, Alile said only five per cent of women were currently in governance in Nigeria.

    She said out of the 469 national assembly members, only 20 were women, adding that 15 out of the 36 current state houses of assemblies had no female representatives.

    She said women represented 49.3 per cent of the country’s population, and therefore, needed to wake up and make things happen for them.

    Alile commended Alia for funding the launch of the project in Benue.

    She also commended the governors over their support for the initiative, noting that it would benefit the states immensely.

    She said from the initiative, Nigerian women would acquire skills, political mentorship, capacity building, trainings, and many others.

    She disclosed that the beneficiaries of the initiative would be between the ages of 18 to 35 years old.

    Mrs Christie Ode, wife of the state’s deputy governor, said women played special roles in nation building.

    Ode expressed concerns over Nigeria being among countries of the world where women still had less participation in politics and governance.

    She said the launch of the 774 Explode Project was a significant step in the right direction in closing the gaps and including women in politics and governance.

    She commended the first lady for all she was doing for women in the country, and also Alia for giving the Benue women a fresh breath of life.

    In a keynote address tilted: “Enhancing Gender Space in Politics and Mentoring”, Mr Dennis Dzawua said without the support of women, no candidate would win election in Nigeria.

    Dzawua said women were the architects of their problems, and until they started supporting each other, they might not get their deserved political positions in the country.

    According to him, politics plays a significant influence over the decision-making process that impacts lives, so all women must strive hard to be in politics to influence such decisions.

    In his remarks, Benue APC Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, said the project would further enhance women’s participation in politics beyond the state.

    Omakolo said women occupied a special place in APC and Alia’s administration.

    He commended the governor for his massive infrastructure strides within the last one year in office, saying under Alia, “everything has suddenly changed positively “.

    He said the governor had made history in Benue by becoming the first governor to be paying salaries, pensions, gratuities, executing projects, human capital development among other achievements without borrowing a dime.

    Earlier in an address of welcome, Scholastica Ben-Sor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, said Benue women who voted massively for the APC in the 2023 polls, were solidly behind the governor and and the president.

    Ben-Sor said the women had resolved to continue to support Alia and Tinubu to succeed.

    “Benue women voted massively for the governor, the president and the APC. Wherever the governor goes we will go with you. No turning back,” she declared.

  • Benue: APC’s Alia will get second tenure without stress – Ex-PDP chairman

    Benue: APC’s Alia will get second tenure without stress – Ex-PDP chairman

    Senator Barnabas Gemade, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has said that Gov Hyacinth Alia would secure a second tenure in 2027 without much stress.

    Gemade, while addressing APC supporters in Vandeikya, hinged his confidence on Alia’s achievements.

    The governor is currently on a thank you tour to Vandiekya and Konshisha Local Governments.

    Gemade said that the Jechira people in particular, and Benue people in general, were solidly behind the government of Alia.

    He said the administration had performed very well in the last one year.

    “Alia’s scorecard is better than any governor in Benue; he is competing with Aper Aku who, before now, was number one,” he said

    In his speech, Gov Alia lamented the level of underdevelopment in Benue, saying that past administrations failed to take to develop Benue.

    He said the massive transformation being witnessed in the state was divine and intended to restore the state’s lost glory.

    “Many years ago, Benue was taken 40 years backward. In between, we had great heroes who came in to do their bit and set the people free.

    “This is one of the reasons God wants you to join forces with great few governors who have demonstrated love for their state and for humanity.

    “We should bring development and bring our children back to the pedestal that should be in the classroom so that our tomorrow becomes very prosperous and futuristic.

    “What we have done in the area of renovation of schools, hospitals, roads construction, provision of electricity among many others in the last one year is just a tip of the iceberg,” he said

    Alia further commended President Bola Tinubu for his laudable initiatives aimed at putting the country back on the fast lane of development.

    He said that such lofty programmes are also targeted at improving the lives of teeming unemployed youths to make them economically viable and employers of labour.

  • Why Gov. Alia cannot have a godfather – Gemade

    Why Gov. Alia cannot have a godfather – Gemade

    Forner National Chairman of the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Barnabas Gemade, said he has several reasons to support Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue to succeed.

    Gemade disclosed this on Wednesday in Katsina-Ala while addressing the All Progressives  Congress (APC) supporters during Alia’s thank you tour accross the state.

    Recall that Gemade, who joined the APC in 2014, contested the 2023 governorship ticket alongside the governor and many others.

    It was also recalled that after the primaries, he contested the outcome of the exercise up to the Supreme Court, calling for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged non compliance with electoral guidelines.

    The former senator however, resolved his differences with the governor much later and has since thrown his weight behind him.

    Speaking in Katsina-Ala, Gemade said the coming of Gov. Alia was truly a divine intervention.

    “The priest is a representative of God on earth, for that reason, if a priest has been assigned a responsibility he does not need a godfather. A priest that represents God here on earth has no business with another human being calling himself a godfather.

    “Father Alia can only have a father not a godfather, and I will be very happy as a bonafide son of the state and an experienced man at politics with all that it takes to be a father to anybody, I am very proud to be the father of Rev. Fr.  Alia and that is all he needs,” he said.

    He also described Alia as a humble and God-fearing priest  who is working hard to turn around the fortune of the state.

    “I used to know how people call me “Nomiyange” (a shining sun), that was when I shine, but truly, Rev. Fr. Alia came out with his sun which shines more and stronger than mine.

    “So I decided to retreat to make sure I  support him to do things that God Almighty has asked him to do, that will bring development to Benue and he is already doing those things.

    “I have only one thing to tell you the people of Sankera. There is nothing more than unity, it is one of the greatest things you must do in this state. Each time I have an opportunity to talk, I say this and  you must embrace unity and support the Alia’s administration to succeed,” Gemade said.

    NAN