Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed his dismay at the N359 billion debt burden inherited by his administration, which includes unpaid staff salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as domestic liabilities from his predecessor. The governor referred to this debt as a stain on his government’s reputation in the state.
During a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja over the weekend, Governor Alia stated that his administration intends to renegotiate these debts in order to alleviate the state’s burden gradually. He also promised that once these negotiations are successful, workers in the state will receive their salaries on the 25th of every month, fulfilling his pledge made upon assuming office in May this year.
Furthermore, Governor Alia disclosed that efforts are underway to bolster the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which will help offset pension and salary payments. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring timely payment of salaries and pension benefits, stating that the state will not owe anything to its workers. Additionally, he pledged that retiring workers will receive their gratuities and pensions within four months of retirement, and efforts have already begun to address the backlog of arrears.
The governor highlighted the severity of the debt burden inherited, revealing that some local government workers had gone unpaid for up to five years. The total debt accumulated amounted to a staggering N359 billion.
During the meeting, Governor Alia expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for including Benue State in the recent distribution of palliatives and other interventions. He also commended the government’s concerted efforts to address the resurgence of insecurity in the state. These initiatives have provided much-needed support, particularly in light of the state’s various obligations and the challenge of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the federal government. We hope that this support will continue,” the governor remarked. He noted that these measures have not only brought relative peace to the state but have also transcended political divisions among the people.
The governor outlined his administration’s goal of facilitating the return of all IDPs to their ancestral homes and farmlands. He expressed optimism that through the cooperation of various security agencies, this objective will be achieved. He extended his gratitude to the federal government for its assistance in this regard, as well as its commitment to repairing federal roads in the state.
Regarding the recent kidnapping of the Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mathew Abo, Governor Alia vehemently denied reports that a large sum of money was paid as ransom. He affirmed that the state government does not pay ransoms, and the commissioner’s release was secured through negotiations. The governor also emphasized the government’s determination to apprehend criminal elements in the state and warned them to leave or face serious consequences.
It is evident that Governor Alia is taking decisive steps to tackle the significant debt burden inherited by his administration. Through debt renegotiation, an increase in revenue, and a commitment to timely payment of salaries and benefits, the governor aims to put the state on a more sustainable financial path. The inclusion of Benue State in federal interventions and the concerted effort to address security challenges further demonstrate the government’s commitment to the welfare and progress of the state.
