Benue: Account for ₦1.2trn instead of thank-you tour – PDP tells Alia

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked Governor Hyacinth Alia to account for what it described as over ₦1.2 trillion received by his administration rather than embark on a statewide thank-you tour.

The opposition party said the people of Benue deserved a comprehensive account of the revenues received and expenditure incurred by the administration since it assumed office on May 29, 2023.

The PDP made the demand in a statement issued on Friday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, in reaction to the thank-you tour being undertaken by Alia and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The party described the tour as an exercise in political deception, self-glorification and a celebration of failure.

According to the PDP, the Alia administration has received substantial funds through federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans and foreign grants in the past three years.

It argued that rather than organising political rallies across the state, the governor should explain how the funds received by the state and local governments under his administration had been utilised.

“Rather than turning the APC Thank-You Tour into a travelling carnival of political praise-singing, Governor Alia should have used the opportunity to render a comprehensive account of his stewardship.

“He should have told the people how much money has accrued to the state and local governments under his watch, what projects have been completed, how much was spent on each project and how those expenditures have improved the lives of the people,” the PDP said.

The party alleged that despite what it described as unprecedented revenue inflows, several communities in the state were still battling poor roads, deteriorating healthcare facilities, abandoned projects, unemployment and insecurity.

It also questioned the rationale behind the thank-you tour amid the challenges confronting residents.

“What exactly is Governor Alia thanking the people for?

“Is he thanking the farmers who can no longer safely access their farmlands because of insecurity? Is he thanking the displaced persons languishing in camps and host communities? Is he thanking the countless youths without jobs or the communities still waiting for basic amenities that should have been provided years ago?” the statement queried.

The PDP maintained that development should go beyond government statements, radio jingles and billboards, insisting that residents should be able to identify tangible projects executed in their communities.

It said functioning health centres, improved schools, constructed roads, secured communities and thriving businesses should serve as measurable indicators of government performance.

The opposition party consequently demanded a transparent account of public funds received and expended between May 29, 2023 and August 2026.

It urged residents of the state to continue demanding accountability from the government through peaceful, lawful and democratic means.

The PDP maintained that citizens have a constitutional right to scrutinise public expenditure and demand transparency from those entrusted with managing public resources.