Benue Rejects Return To “Days Of Locust” As Alia Administration Defends Developmental Strides

The Benue State Government has declared that the people of the state will not be deceived into returning to what it described as the “days of locust” under the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the government said Benue State is currently witnessing significant transformation under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Kula stated that Governor Alia came into office with a clear vision and a strong commitment to rescue the state from years of hardship, economic decline, and infrastructural decay allegedly experienced during the administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the statement, the previous administration was characterised by irregular payment of salaries, neglect of pensioners, rising debt profiles, and poor infrastructural development despite federal interventions and financial support received by the state.

The government further alleged that upon assumption of office, the Alia administration discovered liabilities running into hundreds of billions of naira at both state and local government levels, contrary to figures contained in the official handover notes.

It also claimed that the current administration has continued to grapple with judgement debts and garnishee orders inherited from the previous government.

The statement noted that the Alia-led administration has prioritised workers’ welfare, prompt payment of salaries, pension reforms, and infrastructural renewal across the state.

It highlighted several projects reportedly completed or initiated within less than three years of the administration, including the establishment of a specialised university at Ihugh, a Food Basket Brewery, a fruit juice company, and the rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works to restore potable water supply to Otobi, Otukpo, and surrounding communities.

The government also pointed to the completion of over 40 intra-city roads, installation of solar streetlights across major urban centres, and institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the state for sustainable growth and development.

Reacting to comments made by a spokesperson to former Governor Ortom during an appearance on Arise Television, the Benue State Government described the criticism of Governor Alia’s performance as an attempt to revive propaganda politics.

Kula said the people of Benue have already seen a clear difference between what he termed “leadership and propaganda,” adding that residents remain determined to support the current administration’s development agenda.

“The state has moved forward, and the people are determined to protect the new path of progress,” the statement added.