Gov. Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has said some of the state government accounts, belonging to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, will remain frozen. This is a result of some “landmines” planted in there by some persons in the twilight of the last administration just before his take over office in May.
The governor made disclosure Saturday, August 5th, 2023, when he hosted the media in the state, at the Government House Makurdi.
“These same people are keeping watch on the accounts, and waiting for when and what would drop in the accounts so they can cart away for their personal use. The best decision, for now, is to keep the accounts frozen until the government is convinced of safe operations”, the governor said.
According to the governor, “while that is still on, all government ministries, departments and agencies, affected by this development, but which require funds always raise their issues to the appropriate authority, and such requests are treated as demanded by MDAs”.
The governor pointed out that, the accounts would be unfreeze at the appropriate time, and very soon.
He called on the media in the state to team up with him as partners, to fight the enemies of the State who do not want a reign of decorum and truth to exist with their sworn goal of antagonizing, blackmailing, and stagnating the progress, unity, and happiness that his administration is determined to usher for the good people of the state.
On the perceived estranged relationship between him and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, Gov. Alia said, “I enjoy a cordial relationship with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Senator George Akume”.
He described those peddling such lies as saboteurs and promoters of fake news, insisting that there are plans to organize a homecoming ceremony, to celebrate Senator Akume over his appointment as the SGF by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor also distanced himself from allegations that he ensured his preferred candidates emerged as principal officers of the Benue State House of Assembly.
He explained that being his first time as a governor, he stayed back in the Assembly complex after the inauguration of the 10th Assembly to see how proceedings are carried out, but left immediately after a point of order was raised about his presence in the Assembly.
According to him, “I had no hand in the leadership election, especially as the State Assembly is a separate arm of government different from the executive arm, which is headed by me”.
Governor Alia called on the media to partner with his government to enable him to offer purposeful leadership to the good people of the state. He pointed out that, “the time for active politicking is over, those who had pitched tents with other politicians and parties from the different political divides should join hands with my administration to develop the state”.
