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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Government has described as reckless, fictitious and mischievous, a report in an online media alleging that the Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has spent over N40 billion since he assumed office in the last five months.
The publication also alleged that the Governor is spending over N2 billion for purchase of vehicles for himself, Assembly members, commissioners and his other aides even after he promised to cut cost of governance.
Addressing newsmen in Makurdi, on Monday, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, (CPS), Kula Tersoo, who described the news as disturbing said it was mischievous to accuse the Governor of being reckless with state resources.
Kula said ,”I consider that as the most mischievous news we have seen. The reporter is not in touch with the present economic realities of our time.”
He explained that “Alia’s administration took off from ground zero and did not meet any functional vehicle on ground when he came to office. But he continued driving the same vehicles he used during his campaigns for two months after his inauguration.
“He did this to minimize cost so as to take care of other more pressing issues. If he were selfish, what other issues could be more pressing than your security. So, it is laughable for anyone to accuse Alia of reckless spending. People sit and think they can blackmail and malign. Alia is the most responsible person as far as prudence spending is concerned,” he said
Kula who wondered how N2 billion is too much money especially given that the exchange rate and cost of vehicles have risen said it is even inadequate for purchase of vehicles for the Governor, Assembly members, Commissioners, Special Advisers and others.
Benue has 32 members of the Assembly including the principal officers who are entitled to two (2)vehicles, 17 commissioners, several special Advisers and several Principal Special Assistants.
Speaking further, kuka said, “They said Alia have spent over N40 billion within five months and nothing is moving but if you go round Makurdi, the installation of solar street lights are ongoing, construction of 16 number of roads are ongoing, Assembly complex renovations have passed 80 completion, the Governor procured fertilizers for farmers in the state and subsidized it by 50 percent and yet they say nothing is happening.”
The CPS who stated that the governor is fulfilling the pact he had with the people said “Governor Alia has paid salaries of workers, he has paid pensioners and we are up to date except for the arrears which we will offset once we get money.”
Kula said the society is moving towards avoiding crisis and urged journalist to refrain from blackmail just to get attention.
Also speaking, the Principal Special Assistant,(PSA), to the Governor on Media, Mr Isaac Uzaan, noted that in every government, policies are bound to face criticisms but when they are not constructive, the critics are out to pull down the government.
He said a state cannot run without expenditures and they monies come from the government coffers.
He also noted Governor Alia has done a lot in the last five months including increasing stipends of Corps members as well as medical students who are now taking N100,000 monthly to encouraged them to stay and serve in the state.
“This is the time for development and those itching to criticize should do so constructively to help the government develop a safe have for all,” Uzaan said.
Ealier, the CPS said Governor Alia’s victory at the Court of Appeal was a victory for Benue people and for democracy.
While acknowledging that those who went to court were exercising their constitutional rights, he urged them to sheath their swords and join hands with Governor Alia to build Benue of our dreams.
