Gov. Alia Acquires N11.2 Billion Private Jet
The Network For Transparent Governance (NTG), wishes to express its utter dismay and condemnation regarding the recent acquisition of a Bombardier Challenger 850 private jet by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In a time when our beloved state is grappling with an unprecedented crisis characterized by worsening insecurity, rampant displacement of our people, and dire socio-economic challenges, it is both shocking and reprehensible that our Governor has chosen to prioritize personal luxury over the pressing needs of the people.
The staggering sum of $7 million, equivalent to an exorbitant N11.2 billion at the current exchange rate, could have been allocated to crucial sectors that directly impact the lives of our people.
Instead of investing in sustainable solutions to combat the escalating attacks perpetrated by armed herders and bandits, which has led to the killing of hundreds of people and displacement of countless families from their ancestral homes, Governor Alia has opted to indulge in ostentatious extravagance.
All other state governors during the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s time have since cleared the arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities because allocations to states have increased significantly as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, but Governor Alia has refused to do so and has instead purchased an expensive private jet for himself
The governor’s decision to own a private jet using public funds he is supposed to hold in trust for Benue people, not only reflects a yawning disconnect from the realities faced by the very people he was elected to serve but also represents a blatant misuse of state resources.
At this critical juncture, when our educational institutions are in dire need of funding, our healthcare facilities are crumbling, and our communities are crying out for basic infrastructure, the Governor’s decision to squander such a monumental sum on a personal jet is an affront to the dignity and sensibilities of our people.
Barely six months into Alia’s tenure, reports began to emerge indicating that he was amassing monumental wealth for himself, but many people dismissed such reports as mere political speculation. But what we have seen now has made us to believe that all the earlier media reports were true. It was reported that Alia owns mansions in different cities, some for himself and others for his uncountable number of girlfriends.
We call upon Governor Alia to exhibit true leadership by redirecting focus and resources towards the urgent development of our educational and health systems. Such investments are not merely fiscal responsibilities but moral imperatives that will yield long-term benefits for the people of Benue State. The Governor must recognize that his role is to uplift the living standards of the people, not to indulge in luxury while they suffer.
Signed:
Oliver Omenka
Network For Transparent Governance (NTG)
