Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor-elect of Benue State, has described the civil service in his state as being in a critical condition, likening it to a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Speaking to State House correspondents after visiting President Muhammadu Buhari, Fr. Alia noted that he was elected to revive the state and keep it moving.
Fr. Alia pointed out that the state owes a backlog of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and he is determined to tackle the challenges head-on when he takes office on May 29, 2023. He also lamented the ethnic division between the people of Benue and Fulani herders, which he said was strange to the state.
The governor-elect plans to revitalize agriculture, upgrade the state’s infrastructure and address the issues affecting the civil service, which he described as being near collapse. He believes that Benue is capable of feeding the entire nation and pledged to focus on agriculture to achieve this goal.
Fr. Alia thanked President Buhari for holding a successful election, stating that while the election may not have been perfect, several areas recorded near-perfect results. He added that his visit was a show of solidarity and wished the president well as he prepares to leave office in a few months.
Fr. Alia also addressed the animosity surrounding the anti-grazing law, stating that the Benue people are hospitable and friendly. He pledged to correct any errors made in the past and ensure that everyone feels welcome in Benue State.
Fr. Alia is determined to revive the civil service, improve the standard of living of the people of Benue State, and make the state a hub of agricultural production. He believes that with the right policies and focus, Benue State can become a leading light in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.