Alia backs state police, LG autonomy, says Tinubu’s reforms strengthen grassroots economy

…Benue works to revitalise agricultural development

…Warns against politicising insecurity

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the relative peace in the State to the ongoing reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, applauding the autonomy enjoyed by the local governments, adding that it has helped to reduced tension in the State

Recall that the Tinubu’s administration had in 2023 insisted on strengthening development at the grassroots by disbursing funds directly to the local governments from the federation accounts

Speaking with State House Journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Governor Alia called on fellow State governors across the 36 States to fully implement local government autonomy, declaring that the policy had transformed governance in Benue by strengthening grassroots development, improving accountability and reducing the burden on the State Government.

The move, according to Alia, has reduced stress from the Governors, by placing responsibility for development at the laps of the elected local government chairmen

Governor Alia, also revealed that Benue State was the first to submit its backing for the creation of State Police, which he believes will help to be nd insecurity if properly implemented.

“This policy recognises the fact that the people know their immediate environment, they know who the bad eggs are and it will be much more easier to tackle insecurity, by using the local people”, he said.

The governor noted that although the State is yet to fully restore peace, the level of insecurity, had reduced

We have warned against politicising insecurity. Although attacks have not been completely eliminated, relative peace has returned to many parts of Benue.

He declared that even in advanced societies, Policing remains the primary responsibility of the government

“People have turned even matters of security into politics. When you do that, you’re playing with people’s lives.
“For those who do not understand the insecurity situation in the state, you may like to know on authority that since 1999 we were in the front lines of insecurity,” he said.

“This is one single administration in the last three years, from the federal down to us at the state, that has fought insecurity to a standstill. There are still anxieties and troubled areas, but relative peace has returned to the State.”

He noted that one of the strongest indicators of the improved security situation is the gradual return of displaced farmers to their communities.

“We have people now who are going back home, back to the farm, and then it helps the leverage that has occurred in between,” he said.

Governor Alia said the progress was supported by the Federal Government’s provision of security equipment, while the State also procured 120 Hilux patrol vehicles and more than 620 motorcycles for security agencies to improve their operational effectiveness.

The governor also said Benue had become the country’s reference point for the implementation of the policy

“I encourage every other person who is not on this path to move into it as well, because it works. Benue State is number one compliant on autonomy”, the governor said.

Govrnror Alia explained that from the beginning of the year, he made it clear to elected local government chairmen that financial autonomy was not negotiable because it is backed by law.

“Our local government autonomy is sacrosanct, and they have it. The judiciary also have their own autonomy. These are verifiable facts”, he said.

The governor dismissed allegations that the State had failed to implement autonomy for the local governments, judiciary and legislature, describing such claims as baseless.

“When you hear the shenanigans talk about non-autonomy of the legislature, of the local government or of the judiciary, why are you not interfacing directly with those who are manning our local governments, with the judiciary in the state and with the legislature itself? They are truly applying this well”, he said.

He said granting financial independence to local governments has enabled councils to independently initiate and execute development projects tailored to their priorities.

“Our local governments have also declared emergency on road infrastructure and have turned a number of areas in their local government into work sites, and that is exciting.

“Why do you think the money is coming from? It’s what they get. They are very directional about this and they have taken up those projects and they are doing them. So it’s a plus, not just to us, but also to the law on autonomy itself”, he said.

According to Alia, the arrangement has also made governance more efficient by allowing the state government to focus on oversight rather than direct control of local government finances.

“It has already freed my mind on a lot of things. I don’t have as many headaches. All I do is supervision, get out there and cross-check. If it doesn’t work, then my life is even easier once I point it out,” he said.

“I tell them, ‘You received this last month, let them understand how it is spent.’ I receive all the reports and it is less stressful on me. So my role there primarily now becomes supervisory.”

The governor explained that local government chairmen are required to account for every expenditure made with their allocations.

“If you say insecurity, itemise it. If you say farming, I need to understand that. Once you have the right people in those places, the rest gets a very seamless flow. So it is ideal,” he added.

Beyond local government autonomy, Governor Alia also credited President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms with significantly improving Benue’s finances, saying increased allocations from the Federation Account have enabled the state to invest heavily in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and industrial revival.

“The administration has consistently engaged us as critical stakeholders and partners in the implementation of its economic agenda.

“One of the most visible outcomes of the reforms has been the significant increase in allocations to states from the Federation Account. Benue State, like other sub-nationals, has witnessed improved fiscal inflows, thereby enhancing the state’s capacity to resuscitate our economy, execute our developmental projects and meet critical obligations”, he said.

He noted that his administration has repositioned the state by paying salaries and other allowances promptly.

” It was like heaven had come down to earth, when the people started getting their salaries and even pensions

Alia said the improved fiscal position has enabled his administration to declare an emergency on infrastructure, leading to extensive road construction and rehabilitation across the state.

According to him, about 550 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated while over 422 kilometres of new roads have been constructed, particularly in rural and suburban communities.

“If you go to the metropolis now, every place is turning to a worksite,” he said.

He added that primary healthcare centres across Benue had also been remodelled and upgraded after years of neglect.

“Primary healthcare is working and we now have to make a break to come to the tertiary,” he said.

On economic development, the governor disclosed that efforts were underway to revive moribund state-owned industries, including the Food Basket Breweries, Bensona juice and concentrate factory and the Taraku mill.

“We have freed those assets and we are just at the stage of signing with some big establishment to come take over,” he said.

He maintained that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Benue’s economic recovery, with government providing free fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, subsidised tractors and expanded mechanisation support for farmers.

“Everything you talk about for economic growth of the state must have agriculture. We have sustained this and this is why there is a huge increase in produce in the state,” he said.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources.

“Every additional resource accruing to the state will continue to be utilised very responsibly and transparently,” he assured.

Expressing optimism about the future, Alia said the benefits of both the Federal Government’s reforms and his administration’s policies would become even more visible as economic stability improves.

“I remain very optimistic that the benefits of the ongoing reforms will become more evident as economic stabilisation progresses,” he said, while urging Benue residents to remain patient and continue supporting ongoing efforts to build a stronger economy and a more secure State.