Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has accused the Governor of Benue State, Father Hyacinth Alia of plotting to appoint 1,500 thugs as “Special Assistants” across the 23 local government areas of Benue State, with each local government expected to produce approximately 65 of the “political appointees”.
This allegation was made by the President of the advocacy group, Mr..Jerome Zoho in a press statement he signed and made available to journalists this evening.
According to the advocacy group, this move represents a shocking display of misplaced priorities at a time when Benue State is grappling with worsening insecurity, unpaid salary and pension arrears, abandoned health and education facilities, widespread unemployment and growing poverty among the people.
The group pressed further that since assuming office in 2023, Governor Alia has repeatedly claimed that his administration inherited challenges. “Yet, after more than three years in office and despite the unprecedented increase in federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, thousands of workers and pensioners are still owed arrears. Many families continue to struggle under harsh economic conditions while government resources are being channelled towards political patronage” it noted.
The statement reads in parts: “We find it disturbing that a government that has failed to clear outstanding salary and pension arrears is contemplating the appointment of 1,500 “political aides” whose primary purpose will be the harassment of political opponents and the advancement of the Governor’s 2027 re-election ambition.
“The people of Benue are asking legitimate questions: What developmental projects can the 23 local governments point to after receiving billions of naira in allocations under this administration? Where are the investments in healthcare, education, rural roads, agriculture, water supply and security? Why is the priority now the expansion of an already bloated political structure instead of addressing the pressing needs of ordinary citizens?”
According to the group, this planned mass appointment of thugs is a reckless and unjustifiable waste of scarce public resources., stressing that it sends a clear message that political survival has become more important to Governor Alia than governance.
“At a time when communities are under attack, farmers are unable to access their farmlands, pensioners are suffering and young people are desperate for jobs, the governor should be focused on solutions, not on creating an army of political thugs funded by taxpayers” the statement said..
The group therefore called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately halt this ill-advised plan and redirect the resources intended for these appointments towards clearing outstanding salary and pension arrears, improving security, supporting local governments and executing projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
Saying that Benue State does not need 1,500 additional special assistants. Benue State needs security, the group noted that the State needs development. Benue State needs responsible leadership that puts the welfare of the people above political calculations.
“The people are watching, and history will judge every decision taken in this critical period” the statement said .