BENUE: ALIA’S GOVT OF LIES AND DECEPTION
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s time in office in Benue State has been characterized by a number of actions that cast doubt on his integrity and his dedication to fulfilling his campaign promises.
Governor Alia is running a government anchored in falsehood, denial, and fraud. It is unfortunate that a man who once stood at the altar as a priest could choose to spew lies that can only be associated with the devil and his agents. Alia lied his way to power. He made the people believe that he would be for them, but the opposite is now the case.
No wonder the church suspended this fake man on two occasions! Alia has disgraced the priesthood! His colleagues in priesthood are also feeling the shame. That is why many of them, including bishops, have distanced themselves from his government of treachery and mendacity. Alia is out to tarnish the image of the Church.
When he was campaigning, Alia promised to end insecurity in the state and return the displaced people to their ancestral homes within a short period of 100 days. Today, Alia has abandoned the IDPs and has stopped the monthly provision of food, medical care, and other interventions for the displaced people, despite taking the funds from government coffers. He has refused to provide security in the IDP camps and has asked the displaced persons to go home. Those who attempt to return home are instantly killed by Fulani herders.
Almost two years into his tenure, insecurity is at its highest level in the state under Governor Alia. No day passes without reports of attacks, kidnappings, and other crimes. Fulani herders are on the rampage. Women and children have been taken away from their families. Many are still missing, but Governor Alia has been telling the world that Benue is peaceful and that there are no more herders’ attacks.
We agree with Morgan Adikwu, a concerned citizen, who wrote, “Instead of admitting to this failure, Governor Alia has now proposed a five-year plan for resettlement, a stark deviation from his original commitment. This not only betrays the trust of the IDPs but also exposes a lack of accountability. In contrast, the late President Musa Yar’Adua openly acknowledged the flaws in the election that brought him to power and committed to electoral reforms, exemplifying humility and responsibility—qualities seemingly absent in Governor Alia’s approach.” Alia is the direct opposite of what a leader should be.
In October 2024, Governor Alia publicly denied any involvement in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite evidence to the contrary. He suspended the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, accusing him of joining the suit without authorization. But available information suggests that during a meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Alia was the one who seconded the motion to file a lawsuit against the EFCC, only to later deny it when there was nationwide outrage over the issue. The governor stated, “I gave no permission for him to enter an appearance for the state.” How can this man be a priest of God?
Similarly, Alia was among the governors who strongly opposed the granting of financial autonomy to local governments at the Supreme Court. He and the other governors lost the case, and he quickly came out to say that he has always supported autonomy for local governments. But what do you expect from a man who went against his vows as a priest, jumped into politics, was suspended, but then claimed that the Bishop only gave him permission to contest the election?
Governor Alia also denied initiating the removal of the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, implying that the State House of Assembly acted independently. However, the Speaker of the House, Aondona Dajoh clarified that the Assembly acted upon receiving a letter from the Executive, directly implicating the governor in the process. Governor Alia’s denial of involvement in this shameful act is not only self-serving but also exposes him for who he really is—a man full of hypocrisy and deception. The people of Benue can see the person they voted for as governor.
The latest lie by Governor Alia was the selection of Tor Sankera. The governor had promised to make the process transparent, but he later cunningly directed his Chief of Staff, the loquacious Paul Biam, and the House of Representatives member from the area, Solomon Wombo, who is loyal to him, to handpick David Sevav, a maternal relation of his friend Senator Gabriel Suswam, as Tor Sankera. This decision went against the wishes of the people.
Leadership founded on deceit is inherently unstable. Historical examples abound where leaders who engage in unscrupulous behavior, such as Alia is doing, face eventual downfall.
Governor Alia’s pattern of lies has made many Benue people regret voting for him. 2027 is the year to correct this mistake!
Signed:
Dennis Agema
President
Network For Transparent Governance (NTG)
