…Salute him for prompt payment of salaries.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A group, known as ‘Young Idoma Professionals’ (YIP), has tasked the Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to adhere strictly to the oath of office taken, by ensuring all-round development of the state.
This was expressed in a statement, signed by its convener, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The group, while reacting to recent contracts awarded by the State Governor, lamented that, despite the fact that federal allocations and internally-generated revenue from the state should be distributed equitably, it is worrisome that roads projects publicised are all in Tiv areas of the state.
“We are worried that the Benue State Government under His Excellency, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, has approved the construction of more intra LGA roads in two councils, without anyone captured in the Benue South Senatorial District.
“This calls for concerns, as all parts of the state should be given equal treatment, or equity should be adopted in projects execution,” the group stated.
While they urged the state government to reconsider and ensure that projects are distributed equitably, the group commended Governor Alia for prompt payment of salaries, as well as the massive infrastructural projects in the state capital.
It would be recalled that, last week, Governor Alia approved the construction of two major roads in Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas of the state, both in the Tiv speaking part of the state.
The governor’s approval followed a request by the former Senator representing Benue North East, Chief Barnabas Gemade, during the Thanksgiving Mass/Reception organized in his honour by Ityõ I Jechira, in Konshisha Local Government Area.
It was gathered that, the two deplorable roads earmarked for construction are Vandeikya-Korinya-Tse-Agberagba-Gungul-Awajir and Ge-Ikyobo-Agbeede-Anshagba-Iber roads.
The governor also enumerated his achievements in roads construction, solar light installation, prompt payment of salaries, among others, in less than one year in office, adding that his administration will do all it takes to sustain payment of salaries, pensions, payment of salary arrears and clearing up of debts that have been owed by the previous administration.