Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that the projects and economic reforms of his administration will speak for him ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Alia dismissed attacks from opposition politicians, saying his administration would remain focused on delivering development rather than being distracted by political criticism.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, highlighted several initiatives he said had strengthened Benue’s economy and improved the welfare of residents.
Among them is a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with Hudson Global Ltd, which is expected to attract a $5 billion investment into the state.
Alia also pointed to ongoing rural and urban road projects, payment of salaries and gratuities, workers’ welfare, support for senior citizens and the establishment of the Food Basket Bakery as evidence of his administration’s performance.
He further said his government had strengthened accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, while restoring Benue’s creditworthiness and improving the state’s investment outlook.
The governor urged opposition figures to stop what he described as political distractions and allow his administration to concentrate on governance.
However, former governor Samuel Ortom has questioned the financial management of the Alia administration, demanding an explanation of how about ₦1.2 trillion reportedly received from the Federation Account since 2023 has been utilised.
Speaking through his former media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom’s camp alleged that the state government had failed to provide Benue residents with a comprehensive account of the funds received since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
It also questioned the projects executed with the funds and the level of government presence across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Responding, Kula defended Alia’s record, arguing that the governor’s performance was strong enough to earn public credit, particularly when compared with the previous administration.
The exchange has further intensified the political debate in Benue ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the Alia administration highlighting its projects and reforms while the opposition continues to demand greater accountability over public funds.