‘Celebration of failure’ – Gov Alia under fire over thank-you tour across Benue

Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s statewide thank-you tour, describing it as an exercise in political deception, self-glorification and a celebration of failure.

The opposition party said what the state required was a detailed account of the more than N1.2 trillion it claimed had accrued to the government, rather than another round of political rallies.

The PDP stated this in a statement issued on Friday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo.

According to the party, the government should prioritise security, infrastructure, employment and the welfare of residents instead of spending public resources on what it described as self-congratulatory ceremonies.

The PDP alleged that the Alia administration had received over N1 trillion in federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans and foreign grants since assuming office in May 2023.

It claimed that despite the inflows, many communities were still contending with poor roads, deteriorating healthcare facilities, abandoned projects, unemployment and insecurity.

The party questioned the purpose of the governor’s tour, asking whether he was thanking farmers who could no longer access their farmlands, displaced persons living in camps or unemployed youths.

It argued that development should be visible and measurable through completed roads, functional health centres, improved schools, secured communities and support for businesses.

The PDP further accused the administration of relying on publicity, radio jingles, billboards and promises rather than delivering tangible results.

It demanded a transparent account of funds received by the state between May 29, 2023, and August 2026.

The party said the governor should explain how much had accrued to the state and local governments, the projects completed, the cost of each project and the impact of the expenditure on residents.

“Rather than turning the APC thank-you tour into a travelling carnival of political praise-singing, Governor Alia should have used the opportunity to render a comprehensive account of his stewardship,” the statement said.

The PDP also urged residents to continue demanding accountability through peaceful, lawful and democratic means.

It maintained that citizens had the constitutional right to scrutinise public expenditure and demand transparency from elected officials.