Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, remains focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people and is undeterred despite emerging political coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Tersoo Kula, said on Wednesday in Makurdi that political alignments and attempts by some political actors to undermine Mr Alia’s administration would not distract him from governance.

Mr Kula said the political developments were not unexpected, given the reforms introduced by the administration since assuming office.

According to him, reforms often attract resistance from individuals and groups benefiting from the existing order.

He stated, “The reformer has no friends. People hate you because you are going to introduce new ideas, bring innovations and change the entrenched order.”

Mr Kula challenged political observers to identify those opposed to the administration, asking whether they were civil servants, farmers, traders, market women or other beneficiaries of the government’s policies.

He said the administration remained committed to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens through infrastructure development, employment generation and improved public services.

The CPS cited ongoing road construction and urban renewal projects in Makurdi as evidence of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure across the state.

He explained that the government had adopted a collaborative arrangement with local government councils for road construction, with the state providing 60 per cent of the funding and the councils contributing 40 per cent.

According to him, local government chairmen were also constructing five kilometres of asphalted roads in their respective areas as other projects.

Mr Kula further listed the recruitment of 9,700 teachers, rehabilitation of public schools and improvements in healthcare infrastructure among the administration’s achievements.

He urged journalists and other stakeholders to verify government projects and employment figures through official websites and relevant public records rather than relying solely on claims circulating on social media.

On the divisions within the APC, the CPS said Mr Alia remained open to reconciliation with party members willing to work together to strengthen the party and advance the state’s development.

“He is open to welcoming anybody who agrees to work with him to deliver the state and the party. He has never pushed anybody away,” he said.

He, however, alleged that some political actors were exploiting the divisions within the party for personal advantage.

The CPS also maintained that political officeholders should be assessed based on their performance and the prevailing political circumstances.

He argued that Mr Alia had played a significant role in securing support for President Bola Tinubu in Benue State during the 2023 presidential election, urging stakeholders to consult publicly available election results to assess the contributions of political actors.

On the administration’s development agenda, Mr Kula said the government was laying the foundation for sustainable growth through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

According to him, the implementation of the projects will contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities for residents.

Mr Kula urged the people of Benue State to assess the administration based on its policies, projects and impact on their livelihoods rather than political disagreements.

He expressed confidence that Mr Alia would remain focused on governance while welcoming political stakeholders willing to support the administration’s development agenda. 

(NAN)