A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Grassroots Development in Benue, has attributed the worsening insecurity and deteriorating living conditions in the state to what it described as the deliberate weakening of local government administration.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National President, Dr. Shima Asongu, and Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Abuul, the group alleged that bureaucratic hurdles and financial controls imposed at the state level have severely undermined governance at the grassroots and hampered emergency response efforts.
The coalition warned that the inability of local councils to access funds promptly for security and essential services is costing lives while worsening poverty, hunger, and social instability across communities.
According to the group, local government officials must pass through multiple layers of approvals—including commissioners, committees, and in some instances the governor—before funds can be released for urgent needs.
It noted that the process may take up to three weeks or longer, even in emergency situations.
“No matter how dire the situation, local governments cannot access funds promptly to respond. This is both alarming and unacceptable,” the group said.
Beyond security concerns, the coalition outlined several adverse effects of the restrictions, including the near breakdown of primary healthcare services, ineffective waste management, and the neglect of rural infrastructure such as roads and water facilities.
It warned that the situation is exacerbating food insecurity, as farmers lack timely support during planting seasons, while rural markets and small businesses continue to struggle due to unpaid salaries and declining purchasing power.
The group further stated that persistent salary delays and the arbitrary removal of workers from payrolls have plunged many households into hardship, increased school dropout rates, and reduced access to basic healthcare, particularly among vulnerable groups.
It also expressed concern that weakening traditional institutions—through unpaid stipends to traditional rulers—has diminished local conflict resolution mechanisms, thereby worsening communal tensions.
The coalition alleged that the screening committees managing local government finances operate with unclear criteria, unknown even to key stakeholders such as civil servants and treasury officials, a situation it said has bred distrust, fear, and administrative paralysis.
Criticising the Benue State Ministry of Finance, the group maintained that no law empowers the Commissioner of Finance to audit local government treasuries or screen council staff, insisting that such duties fall exclusively within the mandate of the Auditor-General for Local Governments.
It also condemned the alleged freezing of local government accounts for extended periods, describing the move as unconstitutional and detrimental to governance.
“Government business must run. Local governments must function. Freezing their accounts at a time of escalating insecurity is not just ill-timed, it is dangerous,” the statement added.
The coalition warned that mounting frustration among local government officials—many of whom are reportedly reluctant to speak publicly—could erode public confidence in government institutions and weaken accountability at the grassroots level.
It also cautioned that youth unemployment and restiveness may intensify as local economies contract, creating conditions that could fuel crime and social unrest.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency and accountability, the group insisted that any screening exercise must be conducted lawfully, transparently, and by the appropriate authorities without disrupting local governance.
The coalition further argued that the current situation contradicts claims of local government autonomy in the state and could derail development efforts if not urgently addressed.
“When you cripple the local government, you cripple the first line of defence. And when that happens, insecurity thrives,” the group declared.
Expressing concern that the development could negatively affect the governor’s second term bid, the group urged Governor Alia to take swift action.
“We appreciate the governor and commend him for the good work he has done so far in the state. However, given the growing discontent among the people arising from the actions of the State Commissioner for Finance and the Local Government Screening Committee, we urge him to intervene urgently to address these troubling developments and safeguard the stability of his administration, which is increasingly under pressure,” the group said.
Meanwhile, the situation has drawn concern from the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Benue State chapter, which has threatened possible industrial action over the hardship faced by its members.
In an open letter dated April 21, 2026, and signed by its State President, Joshua Adak Odiniya, and Secretary, Dickson Igbe, the union lamented the slow pace of the ongoing staff screening exercise, noting that more than 70 per cent of its members have yet to be cleared or paid.
NULGE described the situation as “devastating,” especially amid rising economic pressures, school resumption, and the farming season.
The union also highlighted concerns over delayed promotions, unpaid salary arrears, unresolved pension issues, and the need to reinstate previously disengaged staff, warning that prolonged delays could further worsen workers’ welfare and disrupt local government administration.
