By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has accused his predecessor, former Governor Samuel Ortom of carting away with all operational vehicles, including ambulances; leaving nothing for him to start government business with, but his government has achievement great feats within six months in office.
He stated this on Friday when he presented the 2024 budget estimated at N225.7 billion to the Benue State House of Assembly, pointing out that apart from carting away government’s properties, the previous administration also failed to pay workers’ salaries and pension to retirees, thereby plunging the present administration into debt, which he said has already started paying.
He outlined some of his achievements to include road contraction both in Makurdi metropolis and rural communities, training youths in information technology to boost creativity and job creation, ongoing rehabilitation of teaching hospital, setting pace for zero-tolerance to corruption by establishing due-process office among others.
Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia presented a N225.7 billion budget proposal tagged ‘Budget of Infrastructure Development, Job Creation and Poverty Alleviation’ to the Benue State House of Assembly.
In a breakdown, N57.01 billion was allocated to administration, N108.8 billion to economic sector, N12.9 billion to law and justice as well as N46.9 billion to social sector respectively.
According to the governor, Education would take N33.8 billion, Health N33.8 billion, Agriculture N22.2 billion, Security N10.8 billion, infrastructure N80.7 billion, social welfare N7.7 billion, commerce N4.1 billion with others taking N13.3 billion.
Governor Alia the malaise of unpaid workforce running into arrears of 11 months, pensions and gratuities owed retirees ranging from 36 months or three years, did not only impede on workers’ productivity and motivation, but equally stifled economic growth, leaving the state to a ridiculous lowest development ebb.
He also pointed out that the inability of the outgone administration to pay Benue workers made civil servants to lose motivation to work, adding that the scenario has developed into an inert attitude inimical to economic growth which the current administration is trying to correct through prompt payment of salaries.
He disclosed that government intends to prioritize agriculture by availing citizens with modern farm inputs and seedlings towards enhancing job creation to alleviate poverty in the land and to improve the living standard of the people.
Governor Alia also maintained that the intent of his administration to provide roads, rural electricity, affordable water, sanitation equipment and other critical infrastructure is to support the development intent, especially in ensuring that food produced in rural economy finds its way into urban areas at reasonable prices to enhance improved living conditions of Benue people.
The governor who congratulated members for their victory at the polls and tribunal, while appreciating those that sought to serve at different capacities but were not chosen said they should know that leadership comes from God.
He called on those who lost to join hands with his administration by contributing their rich ideas for a better and greater Benue, adding that the time for politicking and campaigns are over.
