By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded a comprehensive account of the funds accruing to the state under Governor Hyacinth Alia, alleging that the administration has received over ₦1.2 trillion in federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans and foreign grants since May 29, 2023.
The opposition party made the demand while condemning the ongoing “Thank-You Tour” by Governor Alia and his faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a political exercise that failed to address the realities confronting Benue residents.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, on Friday, the PDP said the resources at the disposal of the state government should have translated into improved security, infrastructure, healthcare, employment and other tangible benefits for the people.
The party questioned the rationale behind the tour at a time when many communities across the state were allegedly grappling with insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities and displacement.
It asked: “What exactly is Governor Alia thanking the people for?”
The PDP said the governor should instead use the opportunity to render a detailed account of his stewardship, including the total revenue received by the state and local governments under his administration, projects executed, amounts spent on individual projects and their measurable impact on the people.
According to the party, Benue residents have a right to know how public funds have been utilized between May 29, 2023 and August 2026, particularly in view of what it described as “unprecedented inflows” from the Federation Account.
The opposition party alleged that despite the huge resources available to the government, several communities remained confronted by infrastructural decay, insecurity and limited economic opportunities.
“The fundamental duty of any responsible government is not to organize endless ceremonies of self-praise but to provide security, build infrastructure, create opportunities and improve the welfare of the people,” the statement said.
The PDP also alleged that the Alia administration had placed excessive emphasis on publicity, government press statements, radio jingles and billboards at the expense of measurable development.
It challenged the government to demonstrate its achievements through completed and functional projects, improved healthcare facilities, better schools, accessible roads, secured communities and empowerment programmes that have produced sustainable economic opportunities.
The party further said the experiences of farmers affected by insecurity, internally displaced persons and unemployed youths should form part of the government’s assessment of its performance.
“Development is not something that exists only in government press statements, radio jingles, billboards and propaganda materials. Development must be visible, measurable and impactful,” it stated.
The PDP urged Benue residents to continue to demand accountability and transparency from elected officials, stressing that citizens have the right to scrutinize public expenditure and ask questions about the management of public resources.
The party said the people should not be expected to celebrate government achievements without verifiable evidence of how public funds have translated into improved living conditions across the state.
