Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Benue State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the ongoing Thank-You Tour on the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, saying that what the people of the State need now is a detailed explanation about the over N1.2trillion the state has gotten since he assumed duties.
This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to journalists this morning by the State Publicity Secretary of the try, Mr. Bright Yima Antyo.
The statement reads:
The Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) views the “Thank-You Tour” of Governor Hyacinth Alia and his faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state as an exercise deep in political deception, self-glorification and a celebration of failure.
The party states that when a government expends enormous public resources on political rallies and self-congratulatory tours while the people are trapped in poverty, insecurity and infrastructural decay, governance degenerates into nothing more than a shameful spectacle.
The fundamental duty of any responsible government is not to organize endless ceremonies of self-praise but to provide security, build infrastructure, create opportunities and improve the welfare of the people.
Benue State under Alia has received over one trillion in federal allocations and internally generated revenue, loans and foreign grants in the past three years. Yet, across the state, communities continue to grapple with impassable roads, collapsing healthcare facilities, abandoned projects, widespread unemployment and relentless attacks that have displaced thousands of people from their ancestral homes.
The painful question therefore remains: What exactly is Governor Alia thanking the people for?
Is he thanking the farmers who can no longer safely access their farmlands because of insecurity? Is he thanking the displaced persons languishing in camps and host communities? Is he thanking the countless youths without jobs or the communities still waiting for basic amenities that should have been provided years ago?
The PDP insists that development is not something that exists only in government press statements, radio jingles, billboards and propaganda materials. Development must be visible, measurable and impactful. The people should be able to point to roads that have been constructed in their communities, health centres that are functioning, schools that have been improved, communities that have been secured and businesses that have been empowered.
Unfortunately, the Alia administration has perfected the art of publicity laced with lies and unending promises while neglecting the substance of governance.
What makes the situation even more shocking is the glaring disconnect between the huge revenues received by the state and the harsh realities confronting ordinary people. Benue people have been demanding answers to no avail. They demand a transparent account of how public funds have been utilized between May 29, 2023 and August 2026. The people demand to be told why, despite unprecedented inflows from the Federation Account, many Benue communities are still abandoned and neglected.
Rather than turning the APC Thank-You Tour into a travelling carnival of political praise-singing, Governor Alia should have used the opportunity to render a comprehensive account of his stewardship. He should have told the people how much money has accrued to the state and local governments under his watch, what projects have been completed, how much was spent on each project and how those expenditures have improved the lives of the people.
Today, many Benue people find themselves trapped between government propaganda and the harsh realities of everyday existence. While government officials celebrate, the people continue to struggle. While the Alia administration speaks of success, communities speak of neglect. While the state government stages political spectacles, the people are in search of evidence of the progress being advertized.
PDP therefore urges the people of Benue State to continue demanding accountability in a peaceful, lawful and democratic manner. Citizens have a constitutional right to ask questions, scrutinize public expenditure and insist on transparency from those entrusted with public resources.