Governor Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering a transformed Benue state with the inauguration of new agencies, strategic appointments, and a renewed call for peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections.

As part of efforts to strengthen governance and accelerate development, Governor Alia approved the establishment of the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency, the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) State Office, and the Benue State Agency for Recreation and Parks.

Thaddeus Tarzomon was appointed General Manager of the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency, while Dr. Ben Ebe will coordinate the NCDC State Office. Mercy Turugh was named Executive Secretary of the Agency for Recreation and Parks.

The governor also constituted the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) State Programme, to be headed by Samuel Agwa, alongside the Benue State Project Monitoring Team, chaired by Dr. Felix Atume. Other members include Cephas Suswan, Surveyor Bartholomew Feese, Engr. Ternary Ibi, Engr. Jijingi Sa Baba, Arc. Idukola, and Emmanuel.

The Project Monitoring Team has been mandated to monitor government projects across all sectors, ensure compliance with approved specifications, timelines and budgets, conduct periodic inspections, facilitate project implementation, and advise the government on value-for-money considerations.

Governor Alia also announced the redeployment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. James Dwan, to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Speaking during the inauguration, the governor appealed to the people of Benue state to continue supporting his administration, assuring them of transparent, accountable, and people-oriented leadership.

He urged politicians and their supporters to reject violence before, during, and after elections, stressing that no political ambition is worth the loss of human life.

Recalling that no blood was shed during his emergence as governor, Alia appealed to all political actors to sustain peaceful campaigns, emphasising that leadership is determined by God and the will of the people.

Quoting the biblical commandment, “Thou shall not kill,” the governor warned against political violence, stating that anyone who sheds innocent blood would face divine judgment. He cited the biblical accounts of Cain and Abel as well as David and Uriah to underscore the consequences of injustice and bloodshed.

Governor Alia reminded supporters that although he currently serves as a political leader, he remains a Catholic priest whose values are rooted in the teachings of Christ. He urged citizens to embrace love, tolerance, and unity regardless of political affiliation.

The governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for upholding due process during the party’s primaries, saying their actions reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He advised aggrieved aspirants to respect established electoral guidelines and avoid unnecessary litigation, noting that party constitutions and electoral laws clearly define the nomination process. According to him, there were no automatic tickets during the APC primaries, as candidates emerged through democratic procedures.

Governor Alia called on all party members to put aside their differences and work together to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections. He warned aspirants against wasting resources on legal battles with little prospect of success, urging them instead to focus on party unity and effective grassroots mobilisation.

He assured Benue citizens that his administration would continue to operate an open-door policy and remain receptive to constructive ideas from all stakeholders committed to the state’s progress.

Highlighting achievements recorded over the past three years, the governor pointed to major road construction and dualisation projects, interventions at the Otobi, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala waterworks, food security initiatives, and programmes promoting women and youth inclusion.

Governor Alia reiterated that his administration is determined to end the era of political godfatherism and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens rather than a privileged few.

He maintained that sustainable infrastructure remains a better investment than short-term palliatives.

“The money I will use as incentives that will not get to all, I will rather use it to turn villages into cities and provide solar energy for all, including the aged, to improve their quality of life,” the governor said.

Many residents have continued to commend the administration’s developmental strides, describing the government as one that has restored discipline, transparency, and inclusive governance while laying a solid foundation for a New Benue.

Fely Mammah,

Abuja