Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the candidate of the APC for Benue South Senatorial District in the 2023 General Elections, has congratulated Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on the momentous second anniversary of his administration.
In a statement issued today, Comrade Onjeh stated, “Today marks a significant milestone in the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, as he completes two remarkable years in office.”
He congratulated Gov. Alia for his exemplary leadership, visionary governance, and the impressive transformation he has initiated across the state, without borrowing a single dime.
Comrade Onjeh conceded that government borrowing is not in itself bad in so far as the money borrowed is spent on tangible infrastructural and human capital development projects.
“Here is where Gov. Alia excels. Unlike past administrations that borrowed and squandered, Gov. Alia is not only doing the great things he is doing without borrowing, but he is also paying back the huge debts incurred by previous governments concurrently. He must be applauded for that,” he enthused.
The Alia administration, Comrade Onjeh asserted, has demonstrated that with integrity, prudence, and a strong political will, it is possible to deliver real, tangible development to the people without mortgaging their future.
“Gov. Alia’s brand of leadership, grounded in fiscal responsibility and people-centred governance, has restored hope and revived the spirit of public service,” he said.
Comrade Onjeh, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, stated that within two years, the people of Benue State have witnessed developmental strides that were once deemed unattainable.
Among the most noteworthy are the construction and rehabilitation of critical road networks in the region and across the state, improving connectivity and boosting commerce.
He revealed that water projects have been initiated and completed in some communities, addressing long-standing water scarcity.
He noted that the Alia administration’s commitment to bringing water to all the communities of Benue South is exemplified by the ongoing rehabilitation of the Otobi water works, for which contractors have been paid and mobilised to the site.
He revealed that overhauling work has already commenced at the plant.
“When the waterworks is repaired and restored to full capacity, it would meet the water supply needs of Otukpo township and its surrounding communities,” he added.
The people of Benue South, he stated, hope the Governor will bring more development projects to the district in the next couple of years.
“For the first time in years, workers and retirees in Benue State receive their entitlements promptly. Salaries are paid without delay, and backlogs of pensions and gratuities are being cleared with sincerity and consistency,” he stated.
These achievements, Comrade Onjeh added, are not isolated. They form part of a broad, strategic development framework that touches every local government in the state.
He stated that Gov. Alia’s first two years in office have been defined by visionary policies and a laser-sharp focus on infrastructural renewal and human capital development.
He gave the example of Makurdi, the state capital, where Governor Alia is overseeing a master plan to transform the city into a modern metropolis.
“Road expansions, flyovers, drainage systems, and street lighting are among the infrastructural projects being executed to uplift Makurdi from its provincial status to a befitting capital city,” he explained.
He added that recognising the difficulties faced by citizens in commuting across the state, the Alia administration rolled out a state-subsidised mass transport system.
This initiative, he said, has significantly reduced transport costs and enhanced mobility for workers, students, and traders.
“The administration awarded 51 road projects within the past year, including three underpass projects in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo Local Government Areas,” he said.
He added that though construction of some of these underpasses (like the one in Otukpo) is yet to commence, when they are completed, they will beautify these major towns and ease vehicular movement within them.
On education, Comrade Onjeh commended Governor Alia’s giant strides, stating that the newly established Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihugh reflects the Alia administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural education and innovation.
He stated, “It is a strategic move to harness Benue’s comparative advantage as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation’ and create a new generation of agriculturally savvy graduates.”
He further revealed that in a revolutionary move, over 10,000 youths have been trained in garment production and other vocational skills.
“This initiative, unprecedented in scope and impact, is designed to make the youth job creators rather than job seekers, removing them from the streets and plugging them into productive ventures.”
Comrade Onjeh, an economist, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and former President of the West African Student Union (WASU), stated that under Governor Alia’s stewardship, Benue’s economy has undergone a renaissance.
The Alia administration, he emphasised, has blocked leakages, optimised internal revenue generation, and created a business-friendly environment.
The result, he pointed out, is increased disposable income and economic vibrancy across the state.
“Virtually all the state’s 23 local government areas have been touched by at least one major development project.
“Whether it is health, education, roads, water supply, or electrification, Gov. Alia’s presence is felt across the length and breadth of Benue State,” he said.
He declared that what has made all of this possible without borrowing is a new ethos of fiscal discipline and transparency.
He stated that Gov. Alia treats government funds as a sacred trust. He does not see the public treasury as a personal ATM but as a tool for service delivery.
“Through deliberate budgeting, cost-saving measures, and accountability, his administration has achieved what many said was impossible.”
Furthermore, he stated that to ensure quality delivery, the Governor deploys technical and media teams to inspect ongoing projects.
“He personally conducts on-the-spot assessments, engaging directly with contractors and community leaders to ensure transparency and effectiveness.”
He eulogised Governor Alia, saying that his achievements are even more remarkable considering the political and security challenges confronting the state (vexing, recurring insecurity which lingered from past administrations, but he is striving to bring it to a definitive end).
He has refused to be distracted or deterred. Despite concerted efforts by detractors to derail his vision, he has stayed true to his mission—delivering good governance to the people of Benue.
“Alia’s administration is not interested in the politics of personalities or pandering to so-called political bigwigs. Its only loyalty is to the people,” Comrade Onjeh said.
“Alia has proven that politics can be a tool for transformation, not personal enrichment. He has proven his critics wrong and demonstrated that performance, not propaganda, defines good leadership.”
“The Governor does not sit in the Government House; he is on the ground, inspecting projects, engaging citizens, and solving problems.
“His humility and quiet determination stand in sharp contrast to the noise of political showmanship. In just two years, he has changed the narrative of Benue governance from lamentation to celebration,” Comrade Onjeh said.
Beyond the new University of Agriculture, he noted, existing schools are being renovated, and teacher recruitment and welfare have been prioritised.
Primary health centres are being revived, drugs made available, and staff motivated. Through partnerships and direct intervention, farmers are gaining better access to inputs, markets, and training.
Investments in security infrastructure and collaboration with security agencies have reduced the frequency
and the impact of violent attacks in many rural communities.
“Targeted social welfare schemes and skill acquisition programs are helping women become self-reliant, while child health programs have received a new boost,” he added.
Two years into this mandate, Comrade Onjeh said Governor Alia has given the people of Benue reasons to believe again that indeed, governance is about the people.
“We must support him in this journey of transformation. It is time for every citizen, regardless of political leaning, to rally behind this movement for a new Benue.”
He added that the Governor’s unwavering commitment to development, inclusiveness, and prudent resource management has laid the foundation for a greater tomorrow. He urged the people of Benue State to rise above petty distractions and unite for the future of their children.
“The next two years promise even more,” he affirmed. “With a solid foundation already laid, Governor Alia is poised to scale up his development agenda.
“Plans are underway for more housing projects, improved healthcare infrastructure, modern markets, and industrial parks that will change the economic landscape of the state.”
He added that the Alia administration will continue to be accountable, transparent, and people-focused.
In conclusion, he prayed that God would continue to guide and protect Gov. Alia, strengthening his resolve and granting him wisdom to continue leading the administration and the people through the perilous, vicissitudinous clime of Benue politics.
“The people of Benue are blessed by Gov. Alia’s achievements in these two short years. We look forward to the greater things he will achieve in his relentless drive to uplift the state. Congratulations, Your Excellency. We salute you.”