Politics
Benue was bleeding, now it’s healing – Governor Alia
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that the state, once overwhelmed by insecurity and mismanagement, is now on a path to healing under his leadership.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Alia reflected on his transition from Catholic priesthood to politics, his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity, and his unique approach to fiscal discipline.
As he marks 35 years in the priesthood this July, Alia revealed that his decision to enter politics stemmed from a deep understanding of the challenges facing Benue.
“I’ve spent my life serving the people of Benue in the suburbs, understanding their struggles. It wasn’t difficult for me to transition because I was already working to fix problems as a priest,” he said.
Alia said his transition into politics was driven by an urgent desire to bring change. “As a priest, you spend your time supporting people, solving environmental and family problems. Politics was just an extension of that, although with the added responsibility of navigating a complex political environment,” he added.
On the issue of insecurity, the governor delved into the historical context, explaining that Benue’s security challenges are linked to broader regional dynamics. He noted that Benue, like other parts of Nigeria, is facing a deepening crisis caused by the ECOWAS transhumance protocol, which allowed for cross-border grazing.
“When we were growing up, there were no issues with herders. But after the ECOWAS protocol was adopted, things drastically changed,” he explained.
Alia disclosed that as of June 2024, about 500,000 people from 17 of the state’s 23 local governments were displaced due to violence.
“Our people are primarily farmers, but we’ve seen the land grab that accompanies these attacks. This is no longer pastoralism – it is a calculated destabilization,” he said.
He also emphasized that despite the challenges, his government is working to tackle displacement through a three-pronged solution: temporary shelter, integration, and relocation back to ancestral lands.
Alia urged the Federal Government to reconsider Nigeria’s participation in the ECOWAS protocol, calling for a review of the policy that has contributed to insecurity. “If the Federal Government revisits this protocol, it could make a huge difference. We need to fix our internal security first,” he said.
In addressing the state’s finances, Governor Alia revealed his commitment to fiscal transparency, pointing to the consistent payment of salaries on the 25th of each month.
“Before I came in, civil servants and pensioners went without their pay. I inherited N359 billion in debt, but we found a way to make sure workers get their pay on time,” he said, adding that he had implemented a new standard where salaries are paid even on public holidays or weekends.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters, particularly among the political elite, Alia stood firm in his belief that timely salary payments were a necessary reform. “People used to take the fish without learning to fish. Now, they’re learning to be self-reliant, and it’s creating some enemies,” he said.
The governor also reflected on his relationships with the judiciary and his political party, stressing that his administration is committed to transparency and the rule of law. “There have been no issues with the judiciary. We followed due process with the NJC, and any disputes were addressed professionally,” Alia explained.
As he looks towards the future, the governor expressed confidence that his administration’s approach to governance will continue to transform Benue. “It’s about proper planning, strategy, and execution. We’ve brought a new thinking to Benue, and the people are beginning to see the difference,” he concluded.
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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