Gov. Alia Expresses Disappointment Over Benue Liaison Office In Abuja, Cautions LG Chairmen

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, over the weekend,  expressed shock over the dilapidated nature of the Benue State Liaison Office in Abuja.

The governor who paid an unscheduled visit to the office located on Mary Slessor street, Asokoro, Abuja on Friday, was further taken aback when he was told that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC, has since, year 2020, declared the building inhabitable.

The Liaison Officer, Vershima Anshungu, who conducted the governor round the almost completely ruined facility, lamented among other issues that, although the office generates revenue, the management of the office has continued to use the revenue to pay fines to AMAC, since 2020.

He said the last time the structure was renovated and furnished was in the year 2003.

 

The Governor who declined to make comments, only said, he could not believe what he had seen.

“I can’t believe what I have seen,” governor Alia simply stated.

During the week , the governor also held meeting with chairmen of the 23 Local Government areas in the state.

Speaking during the meeting at Old Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi, Fr. Alia warned them against trivializing their offices and called on them to sit up, remembering that all they do is not for themselves but for the poor good people of Benue State.

Governor Alia stressed the need for the council chairmen to be transparent, organized and quite accountable on every matter they are operating at their various local governments.

He mentioned the issue of security, saying all borders that are porous must be tightened up, and all council chairmen should stay with their people at their respective local governments to monitor things as they happen rather than staying in Makurdi or traveling to big cities.

The Governor drew the attention of the chairmen to the executive order directing those who erect illegal collection points on highways to vacate the roads.

He instructed the chairmen to enforce the order in their respective local councils and even amongst them who are involved in any illegal logging or mining should desist forthwith.

He said they have been trusted with huge responsibility and they cannot afford to take that for granted, adding that those who are willing to work should get serious with work and those who feel they cannot cope should give way.

Governor Alia said the time for campaigns and elections are over, it’s now time for governance and all council chairmen should remember that they are no longer working for the interest of any political party but for the interest of the good people of Benue State.

He thanked the chairmen for the services they have been rendering to theirs local government areas and advised them to get more serious for better results.

Responding on behalf of the council chairmen, the chairman of Guma local government Hon. Mike Ubah, who doubles as ALGON chairman thanked the Governor for interfacing with them.

He promised on behalf of all the chairmen to cue into the policies of the new administration and give their unflinching commitment to their duties with a view to ensuring the development and progress of Benue State.

All the 23 Local Government chairmen submitted report of activities for the last three months in their respective areas to the Governor.for assessment.