Says no accountability in Benue since May 29, 2023
George Okoh in Makurdi
The People Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State chapter, has challenged the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to clarify his administration’s silence following the disclosure by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, that Benue State now receives as a lot as N30 billion month-to-month from the Federation Account.
According to the PDP state Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the allegation is a weighty assertion from a serving federal minister, and he puzzled why the Benue State Government has failed to supply a transparent public response to the disclosure.
The PDP requested if the governor disputes the figures, “and if he does, why has he not come forward with the actual figures? If he agrees with the minister, why has he not considered it necessary to explain to the people what his administration has done with the enormous resources available to Benue State, following the removal of fuel subsidy,” he requested.
He alleged that since taking workplace on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia has not delivered a complete public accountability briefing on the revenues acquired, expenditure incurred, tasks executed and outcomes achieved by his administration.
According to him, “Three and a half years in workplace, the individuals are nonetheless ready for a clear and detailed account of how public assets are being managed. Our evaluation places mixed FAAC allocations to the state and its 23 native authorities areas at over ₦1.3 trillion through the interval beneath evaluation. Both tiers of presidency beneath the agency grip of Governor Alia owe the Benue folks accountability.
“The questions are easy: How a lot has are available in, how a lot has been spent, and what can the federal government present for it?
“Where are the functional hospitals, equipped schools, agricultural support programmes, completed roads and other tangible projects across Benue State’s 23 local government areas? In Makurdi, excavated township roads remain unfinished, while the few other projects like the never-ending underpass at High Level in Makurdi continue to raise questions about lack of due process and delivery timelines.”
He added: “The persistent insecurity across the state makes accountability even more urgent. Benue communities continue to suffer attacks, deaths, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods. The government must explain the resources committed to security and demonstrate their impact on protecting lives and restoring peace in the state.”
