PDP seeks accountability, as Alia’s thank-you tour continues

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to use the on-going “Thank-You Tour” across the state as an opportunity to provide an account of his administration’s stewardship since assuming office.

The party, in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, said the tour offered an avenue for the government to engage directly with the people and explain how public resources had been deployed to address their needs.

According to the PDP, Benue State has received substantial financial inflows through federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans and grants since May 29, 2023.

The statement read in part: “Benue State under Alia has received over one trillion in federal allocations and internally generated revenue, loans and foreign grants in the past three years. Yet, across the state, communities continue to grapple with impassable roads, collapsing healthcare facilities, abandoned projects, widespread unemployment and relentless attacks that have displaced thousands of people from their ancestral homes.”

The party therefore urged the governor to provide citizens with details of the funds received and the projects executed with them.

The opposition party said such an account should include the projects completed across the state, the amounts committed to them and the impact they have had on communities.

The PDP also raised concerns about challenges facing residents in some parts of the state, including poor road infrastructure, access to healthcare, unemployment and insecurity, saying these issues remained important areas requiring sustained government attention.

It noted that farmers, displaced persons, young people and residents of rural communities continued to face difficulties and called for greater efforts to improve their living conditions.

The party said development should be reflected in practical improvements that citizens can see and experience, including functional healthcare facilities, improved schools, accessible roads, enhanced security and opportunities for economic empowerment.