On May 29, 2023, Benue State experienced its sixth executive governor’s swearing-in ceremony, an inauguration that was met with high expectations from the people of the state.
Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia gained election victory aided by the support and endorsement he received from the Catholic community.
Given the impressive performance of Very Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu during his tenure from 1992 to 1993, it is evident that priests can have a positive impact on governance in the state, which highlighted the significant role of religion in the political landscape of Benue State.
In his reign, Adasu founded the Benue State University, established the Tarka Foundation, and played a vital role in reactivating and upgrading the College of Education in Oju.
In taking the reins from Adasu, Rev Fr Alia has hit the ground running, taking action on critical issues.
As of now, there are challenges that require immediate attention, including but not limited to insecurity, economic development, agricultural sustainability, and social welfare.
The most pressing issue Governor Alia faces currently is the unending clashes between farmers and herdsmen, which has plagued the state for the past eight years. These conflicts have resulted in the loss of life, destruction of property, and an overall sense of insecurity among the people of the state.
The resolution of these challenges is crucial to restore peace and security to the region.
Additionally, tackling the state’s debt burden and ensuring salary arrears are paid on time, especially those of teachers and pensioners, is of the utmost importance.
The governor also requires to promote unity within the various tribes within Benue State, particularly the Idoma people and other minority tribes.
Reviving the agricultural sector is yet another key priority, which would be much easier given its prior dominance in the food landscape of the state, earning it the nickname “food basket of the nation.”
Massive investments in agriculture will be necessary to restore the state’s former glory in this sector.
Furthermore, the governor should consider revitalising industries such as the Otukpo burnt bricks, the Igumale cement factory, and the Benue Juice Company while also prioritising youth empowerment initiatives.
Focusing on infrastructure development, with special attention paid to the roads in Benue South, would be a significant step towards development in the state and will require rapid renovation and improvement.
It is crucial for the governor to ensure resources and infrastructure projects are evenly distributed across the state, irrespective of tribal affiliations or communities.
The entertainment industry is not left out when considering the development of the state, as Benue state boasts of a rich talent base in this area, including notable names like 2face Idibia, Blackface, Aterre, Terry G, and many others.
Investing in the entertainment sector can contribute to the state’s development and create opportunities for talented individuals.
Lastly, while it is important to thoroughly scrutinize the previous administration’s activities, Governor Alia should resist the temptation to waste scarce state resources on political score-settling through unnecessary probes.
Instead, he should prioritize development and improving the lives of the people through necessary initiatives.
Finally, the paramount issue of the review of the 2016 Benue Chieftaincy Law remains. The new governor must ensure the filtering of “political chiefs” from the system and base the selection and appointment of traditional rulers on merit and the genuine representation of their respective communities.
In conclusion, the people of Benue State await the implementation of the governor’s ‘New Benue’ agenda, given his spiritual background, which the people of Benue have faith would guide his governance and bring positive change to the state.
The new Governor is urged to focus on establishing positive change in the critical sectors that drive the state’s economy and improve the living standards of the people.
