Local government chairmen from Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) have declared their support for Governor Hyacinth Alia, commending what they described as his inclusive approach to governance and the visible development taking place across their communities.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the council leaders — representing all nine local government areas in the zone — unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the governor. They also dismissed as baseless the claim by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, that the area had been “abandoned” by the current administration.
Leading the delegation, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government and Deputy Chairman of the Benue State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the allegation runs contrary to facts on the ground.
“No administration in recent history has given Benue South this level of attention and representation,” Ejeh said.
According to him, Governor Alia has shown “fairness and inclusion” by appointing qualified sons and daughters of Zone C into key positions, while also addressing development gaps that had lingered for years.
Ejeh, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, noted that the governor’s performance has restored grassroots confidence, citing completed and ongoing projects across the senatorial district as proof that Benue South is fully part of the state’s development agenda.
To counter the narrative of neglect, the chairmen pointed to several major projects initiated by the Alia administration, including the Okokolo–Obagaji–Agagbe Road in Agatu — a project long promised but never executed until now.
“That road had become a political talking point for years,” Ejeh remarked. “Today, the contract has been awarded, and work is visibly progressing. It’s a practical demonstration of the governor’s commitment to Zone C.”
He also mentioned the rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works in Otukpo, which had been moribund for years but is now back in operation, providing potable water to residents.
Other key infrastructure works cited by the group include the Ado–Igumale–Agila and Oju–Awajir roads, which they said are receiving “executive attention” to improve inter-community access and economic activity.
The ALGON team further hailed the governor for approving a Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Annex in Agatu — the first of its kind in Zone C.
“This is a groundbreaking step toward equitable healthcare delivery,” Ejeh noted. “It means access to high-quality medical services is being decentralized, and this benefits everyone in the senatorial district.”
He added that another BSUTH Annex had been completed in Ugbokolo, Senator Moro’s hometown, under Alia’s directive — a move he said clearly disproves claims of exclusion.
On the political front, Ejeh stressed that the current administration had ensured “unparalleled representation” for Zone C in the state executive council.
“For the first time, Zone C has six commissioners in the state executive council, holding critical portfolios including Finance, Education, Health, Women Affairs, Information, and Water Resources. That’s a clear statement of inclusion,” he emphasized.
The chairmen accused Senator Moro of attempting to incite division through misinformation, but said the people of Benue South are now more politically aware and will assess leaders based on performance rather than rhetoric.
“We will no longer be pawns in anyone’s political survival game,” the chairmen declared. “The people of Zone C can see and feel the difference. Governor Alia has given us a sense of belonging that words alone cannot erase.”
Reaffirming their confidence in the governor, the council bosses pledged continued collaboration with his administration to advance development across Benue State.
“We are solidly behind His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia. He has proven through action that Benue South is not forgotten — it is part of his vision for an inclusive, prosperous Benue,” they stated.
