The Governor of Benue state, Reverend Father Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, may have proven wrong the saying that; “politics is a dirty game”. Just like the Biblical saying that; “many are called but few are chosen”, Governor Alia has through his projects demonstrated his sincerity of purpose to his generation and citizens that voted him into power.
Although he did not read political science but he is delivering expectedly through politics. A man that has failed in political administration is that man without genuine mission, vision and selflessness. In less than 365 days of his administration, he has re-designed and fixed the 23 dilapidated roads in his state that used to be death trap to his people. In a country where many believe that politics is a dirty game due to the failure and greed of political actors, seeing a forthright and dedicated leader seems like seeing an ocean in the desert.
Politics is one of the accredited courses studied in both state and federal universities, but its most preferred to impact political knowledge on people than involve people in practical politics where change can be effected with utmost credibility.
One would ask why parents will accept their children to study political science if the course is not relevant in life. Politics may be said to be a game of numbers with various technicalities to achieve success.
Interestingly, in the contemporary Nigerian setting, despite the risk in the struggle to win majority acceptance, only the courageous and determined hearts wear the crown. Politicians apply different measures to emerge victorious in elections only to make peace later, just like what happened in the Bible where Jacob who stole the blessing of his brother Cain eventually made peace for togetherness in the family. So, why will some politicians turn everlasting enemies because of party differences and anger of relinquishing power?
But for Father Alia, much of his success has been his formidable team of like minds with globalised brains that can transform ideas into reality.
Benue state is among the minority states that aspire to liberate from mental slavery that has for many years left some of her brightest youth in drunken state and helplessness by past leaders who operated in oblivion of the condition of their subjects.
The governor’s easy access by his subjects is a strategic device to the calmness in his environment including visible projects that everybody in the state has wished for long. The young priest has not only embarked on capital projects but has also motivated contractors to complete the contracts awarded to them within the time limits. Some of the completed projects have, however, started changing the face of the state as well as attracting investors including the World Bank.
Notwithstanding, distractions of killings by misguided illiterate hooligans, Fr. Alia sees the tomorrow of youths in his state knowing that his vision for change will surely bring back laughter in sorrowful minds.
It is also worthy to note that in the history of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has involved right thinking youths of substance in his administration. The appearances of these youths in their designated duties give hope for a better tomorrow for themselves. The Benue state governor in line with President Tinubu’s foresight has formidable youths that wish to be in the Guinness Book of success story, hence their penchant to work towards the ambition of their governor.
“Machine”, as Governor Alia is popularly called in his state, coronets the energy seen in him that won him the acceptance of his people with the acronym, “YES, FATHER”.
The attention of the Benue state governor is concentrated in his challenging projects; thus his reason for not having the interest of relaxing in Abuja except to attend meetings for proper representation of his state. He has, no doubt, turned his state to a visiting place of relaxation for the indigenes making the place home away from home. The governor has been occupied with tedious capital projects that other administrations did not consider developmental.
It’s worthy to, therefore, note that the gross domestic products (GDP) of Benue state is N4. 27 trillion, yet the governor has been very economical and willing to encourage business oriented investors that are sure of conducive environment that will boost their bilateral business agreements with the state.
Among some notable and commendable capital projects that the governor has concluded efficiently are; the construction of North Bank and the International Road. Governor Alia has, meanwhile, extended development of infrastructure to bridges in Gboko G.R.A and High Level areas. He has particularly embarked on reviewing both the state expenditure and Income to enable him ex-tray lack of infrastructural development from past administrators.
Most past administrators in their myopic state were alleged to have defrauded the state with many bank accounts without bearing in mind that the same bankers that aided their fraud are same bankers that will expose their dirty deals. But the governor in his own wisdom saw the need to ascertain the appropriateness of utilisation, interest charged on the loans collected and possible abuses of the state funds.
Significant among the abuse projects is the Parris Club refunds received by his predecessor but was not properly accounted for. Just as the governor wishes to create avenues for employment; all the sectors are currently undergoing proper sanitisation to search out ghost workers that will enhance transparent employment to deserving youths.
Fr. Alia was unanimously voted into power by his people who on daily basis express their confidence in him as well as look forward to their hopes being rekindled. Great regards and credit will always be given to Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, who despite resolvable conflict between him and his son, Fr. Alia, remains supportive to his success and that of the state. Benue state is for Benue indigenes. Everybody in Benue state is a stakeholder. The down fall of Governor Alia is the down fall of all and the success of Governor Alia is the Success of all.
Felicia Mammah Nwokorie writes from Abuja