H.E. REV FR HYACINTH IORNEM ALIA, THE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE, HIS OPEN LETTER
The Governor of Makurdi, Benue State, His Excellency Hyacinth Alia, Government House.
Respected Governor Alia,
Not vex, Respected Leader, As blood splatters throughout our rural villages and urban streets, it appears that things are not going well for our beloved Benue State, therefore I won’t spend too much time on politeness. I do, however, hope you are well and reading my message.
I am writing as a concerned Benue State resident to share my opinions on four urgent issues that I feel obligated to voice.
1. Regarding our people’s death at the hands of herdsmen:
As Chief Security Officer of the state, with all taxpayer funding under your command and control, you have failed miserably to provide security and compassion for your people. The billions of Naira that Benue State receives each month, together with the substantial security votes, are obviously not being used effectively.
You should address security risks in your state appropriately as a governor rather than playing games of blame. You initially accused foreign mercenaries of being responsible for the frequent attacks, then you claimed that Abuja politicians were responsible, then you claimed that some religious patrons were responsible, and finally, only last week, you claimed that the villages were helping the attackers carry out the horrible attacks. You look completely unfit to run the state because of these stupid blame games. And you can be sure that no one who is directly impacted would want to hear this speech.
Especially in light of the recent Yelwata massacre, which occurred only 40 kilometers from your office, it is astounding that you hardly ever go to the locations of such incidents to get the essential assistance, sympathy, and attention. Relying on resentful Benue youths to protest and draw the federal government’s attention to these outrageous events is not a good way to handle this job. You called for arrest and had to fire several of your aides who took part in the demonstration, so even at that point, it seems you didn’t want it at all.
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As for the attacks that have killed over 600 locals since you assumed office, it is evident that the anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law, which you overturned through a state altercation, and your incapacity to remain firm in the face of this catastrophe are to blame.
What I would advise:
Oga, get up! Forget about the funfair that accompanied these recent high-profile visits to the state. Arming already-existing vigilante groups like the Livestock Guards or the Benue Volunteer Guards, or creating new community volunteer guards, training them in the use of licensed firearms like Remington pump action guns, and equipping and requiring them to protect their communities.
We know you’re devout since you’re from a religious family, but becoming a state governor involves more than just praying. Telling us to fast, pray, and forgive our adversaries is not the role of government. So that they might work out their forgiveness with God, send them there.
2. Infrastructure: Since yesterday, videos have been making the rounds in the media showing mowers mowing the lawns along Makurdi city highways in anticipation of Mr. President’s arrival. My brother, that is the most incompetent display. Until Mr. President indicated his urgent visit, you and the chairman of the local government left the city in ruins. Okay!
Unfortunately, you also neglected to provide the state with infrastructure. Ignore Makurdi Township’s one underpass under construction and the occasional roundabout renovation or reorganization. Failure is evident when you have been in power for two years and not a single piece of historic infrastructure has been put into service on your second anniversary. Mr. President will not commission any completed projects under your administration while he is here, with the possible exception of a renovated project. It is regrettable.
3. Governance:
You did not lead the state effectively, Your Excellency. It is regrettable that, rather than working with the same organization that brought you to power, your first task a few days after taking office is to destroy it. You seldom ever call meetings for parties or general stakeholders. You can’t do it alone, though. Refrain from purchasing the phony that your chief of staff is trying to sell you in order to undermine Senator George Akume and others. Because of your “I-can-do-it-alone” mentality, the state continues to be besieged by herdsmen who should normally avoid the Benue valley.
4. Pensions and Salaries: You are not performing any better than any other State Governor when it comes to the timely payment of salaries, as allocation to states has increased by nearly 300% since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, while overhead in the majority of states, including Benue State, has remained constant.
Therefore, disregard those who sing praises with gomna, gomna, gomna up and down and concentrate on what you can do to protect the lives and property of Benue inhabitants.
I choose to deliver my point in plain English.
Your Excellency, no vex, before we start demanding for your resignation, I hope to see concrete steps done to solve these urgent concerns.
I appreciate all of your time, patience, and thought.
With all due respect,
Apeh Peterhot, Comrade King, Ofiri-ejorgwu Shrine, Ugbugbu, Owukpa, Benue State.
