Concerns as Benue Assembly ‘hides’ Gov Alia’s commissioner-nominees list

Benue State, Nigeria – Concerns and tension are rising in Benue State as the State House of Assembly appears to be ‘hiding’ the commissioner-nominees list submitted by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia from the general public.

The delay in releasing the list has fueled speculation and raised questions about the political dynamics within the state, IDOMA VOICE observed.

The announcement of the cabinet nominees was made over the weekend, exactly 61 days after Governor Alia assumed office following the departure of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom.

According to reports, a rift between Governor Alia and his godfather, George Akume, who is now the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), may be responsible for the delay in releasing the list.

Sources suggest that the disagreement between the two political leaders surfaced during the election of the principal officers of the State Assembly. Governor Alia purportedly supported Hyacinth Dajoh for the position of Speaker, while Akume leaned towards Becky Orpin. Eventually, Dajoh won the speakership position, but the tension between the governor and his godfather remained.

On Thursday, during the plenary session, Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh announced the submission of the commissioner-nominees list from the governor, but he did not disclose the names of the nominees. He stated that the names would be revealed on the day of screening.

Elias Audu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, confirmed that the governor sent 14 names for consideration, deviating from the usual 16 nominees. However, the specific names and portfolios remain undisclosed.

While an alleged list of nominated commissioners surfaced online, it is yet to be officially confirmed by the authorities. The list reportedly includes names such as Eric Adokwu, Julie Obetta (Okpokwu), Rev. Fredrick Ikyaan (Gwer West), and Hon. Simon Egahi (Agatu), among others. Notably, some local government areas, including Otukpo, Ogbadibo, Ado, Apa, and Oju, were allegedly not represented in the list, IDOMA VOICE observed.

Though the reasons for withholding the list remain unclear, political analysts speculate that the assembly might be aiming to reduce tension and avoid controversies similar to those that arose during the assembly election.

Sources claim that Governor Alia independently chose his cabinet members without external influence. The delay in announcing the nominees, coupled with the exclusion of certain local government areas, has added to the growing concerns and speculations surrounding the situation.

As the situation unfolds, Benue State residents and political observers eagerly await the official disclosure of the commissioner-nominees list and the screening process that will determine the individuals who will serve in key roles within the state’s government.