It is a new dawn indeed for the people of Benue state as history has again recorded in their reference book with the Inauguration of a fresh administration....CONTINUE READING
The inauguration of the government of 55-year-old governor of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Alia, is surely a repeat of the election of Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu of blessed memory in the second republic…..CONTINUE READING
Expectedly, the swearing in of Fr. Alia recorded the presence of many Nigerians and people across the globe.
It is the first time in a very long while that youths of the state gathered in their numbers at the IBB Square in Makurdi to ensure that the governor who they freely gave their mandate took over the mantle of leadership of the state.
The massive and hard to control crowd, signified the possibility of the intervention of the Almighty God in granting the desire of the citizens of the state for their desired change for a better tomorrow.
Even the prayers of the clergymen in attendance emphasised God’s intervention in wiping away their tears and granting that many souls of their departed especially through the careless decisions of politicians will be a thing of the past.
In fact, the inauguration ceremony was attended by people of diverse races and religions whose action, judging from their expression of joy, showed that they were truly happy with the outcome of the March 11 governorship and state assembly elections.
The whole event was unanimously about the acceptance of their desired choice against bloody politics that have left many homes with memories of pains and unforgiveness.
However, the pressure on the past administration led by Dr. Samuel Ortom and the visible resentment from indigenes of the state spoke volumes.
It was learnt that the people wanted the former governor to leave the stage and reportedly warned not to be seen around the vicinity may have warranted the handover of leadership to the newly elected governor before May 29, 2023.
The Government House was left with the picture of desertion with the environment looking very miserable and agonising. The faces of the workers who served under the leadership of the past administration, reflected lack of regards from a leader. One could easily decode from anguished heart the tears of joy that followed.
It was very obvious and very glaring that on May 29, 2023, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Dr Hycient Iormen Alia and his Deputy, that former Governor Ortom was unavailable to properly hand over and to encourage their son on a good path to follow since he was the choice of the people.
Fr. Alia honestly is not a man to be envied in his throne of leadership now because his beginning and the ugly scenario of defeat of the analog mentality of the past persons, speak volumes of the toughness, leadership and support he is expected to get.
Even the banquet hall where people gathered to express their joy with red wine can only be compared to Benue state prison yard. There was nothing to signify that the past administrator was a man with taste for good life and good living. The green white green decoration in the banquet Hall in the Government House thus exhibited tiredness of living in bondage by both the cooks and even the food to be served. The building and the red carpet with foul odour from the rainfall really needs to be changed before meals eaten there can digest in accordance with the body system.
Every structure in the Government House gave a picture of porousness and beyond expected standard of a befitting state government structure. With due respect, it is really insulting to have a well known clergy, Fr. Alia the new governor, to articulate properly in a place that can be compared to athletes’ dressing room.
There is nothing at all to reference the past heroes nor eulogise their remarkable good works of legacy.
Fortunately, for the people of Benue state now, a man with good taste for living has come their way and must surely, by God’s grace, turn the Government House to be like new Jerusalem. Even the sound of the personal vehicles of the new governor leaves one with the dream of melodious new dawn indeed.
Benue state indigenes need to stand firm with their governor to enable him age gradually with ebony black hair.
According to sources, the new administration is left to settle above N187.6 billion of outstanding debts which were assumed to have been used on projects yet to be seen. It is also believed that no official vehicle was handed over to the new administration.
It is indeed a new dawn for a beginner but good enough, Fr. Alia has formidable young men of about his age that have vision and mission and, besides, willing to return Benue state back to where they call a home.
Interestingly, the governor in his acceptance speech after his inauguration said he is committed to work in collaboration with everybody in the state including the opposition parties for as long as they will put campaign issues aside and see the state as a place that needs proper provision of infrastructure, quality healthcare, education, among others.
Among his priority projects to be addressed immediately is to pay civil servants, pension, and gratuity that are long overdue as well as education that will reflect a modern economy. His people no doubt welcomed his plans to closely supervise all projects for execution.
Fr. Alia has also promised to encourage private investors that will open the state to business and relevanc. Benue state, according to him, will arise from long hopelessness and stigmatisation.
The loud ovation that applauded him when he officially announced the closure of all the state’s bank accounts pending proper accountability shows that he has started with the right steps.
Rev. Fr. Alia whose native name ironically means “Before U” is conscious of the fact that people have gone before him to lead but have been found wanting. Also interpreting his name IORMEN counsels him to humble himself and play along with his people in order to tackle the sustained state of insecurity, dampened morale from non-payment of salaries, pensions and gratuity, dilapidated infrastructure, a broken economy, more broken civil service, massive employment and under employment, endemic corruption and malaise.
All these he noted in his acceptance speech as a deep rooted crisis that calls for bold and swift action as he assured them that Benue state government will act!
Nevertheless, the young priest has continued to assure his people that a new Benue is possible having tested crisis that destroyed farmers. New Benue he said will intensify efforts to industrialize through agriculture. Among his seven points agenda also, is to celebrate, initiate and enterprise his people as well as build capabilities of his people for change that will lead to human capital. The governor’s assurance to his people include: building the required infrastructure to support planned economic and wish that other countries and organizations move forward with digital transformation and skills needed to implement them through investment in information and communication.
Given a lively environment, Benue will be the envy of other states and will surely attract dignitaries that will wish to commission projects that will be reckoned with in the state…..CONTINUE READING
