Governor Hyacinth, Alia of Benue State has appointed former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, as media consultant for activities marking his administration’s second anniversary, sparking mixed reactions within political and professional circles.
The decision, confirmed by sources close to the governor, has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with some describing it as a controversial move that could deepen internal tensions already brewing in the state chapter of the party.
Maku, a prominent figure in the opposition and a known ally of political coalitions not aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is viewed by critics as an unlikely choice for such a strategic assignment.
He previously served as Minister of Information during the Goodluck Jonathan administration and has long been associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and, more recently, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
While the state government has yet to issue an official statement on the appointment, several APC insiders have expressed dismay, describing the move as “provocative” and “strategically insensitive.”
A senior party stakeholder who spoke anonymously said, “This isn’t just about hiring a media consultant. It’s about the message being sent, especially at a time when party loyalty and internal unity are paramount. Maku’s appointment undermines that.”
The development comes amid lingering questions about Governor Alia’s relationship with the APC leadership both within the state and at the national level.
Recently, some members of the party’s reformist bloc have called for disciplinary action against the governor over alleged sidelining of key party figures and absence from major APC events.
The appointment has also raised eyebrows in media circles across the state. Several journalists and communications professionals in Benue have questioned the need to outsource such a critical task, citing the availability of qualified local experts.
“There are experienced, non-partisan professionals here in Benue who could have handled this assignment effectively,” said a veteran journalist in Makurdi. “This appointment sends the wrong signal about the capacity and relevance of the state’s media professionals.”
Some also view the decision as a slight to the governor’s existing media team, including his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Solomon Iorpev.
Observers believe the outsourcing may have undermined their roles ahead of a major public engagement.
Beyond political optics, questions have also been raised regarding the ethical and financial implications of hiring a politically affiliated consultant using public funds. A media rights advocate based in Abuja said the decision “raises important questions about public interest, accountability, and political neutrality in public communications.”
Governor Alia has faced growing scrutiny within his party in recent months, with repeated allegations that he is distancing himself from the APC’s mainstream leadership and could be planning a political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As preparations for the second anniversary continue, the administration is expected to clarify the nature of Maku’s role and address concerns raised by party members and stakeholders.