“Alia’s performance offers a refreshing testimony that change is indeed possible when sincerity meets service. Those who fear his success are not his enemies alone, but of the people’s progress”.
BY TERSOO KULA
The saying that the landscape of Nigerian politics is complex, is indeed a complete reflection of the subnational, called Benue.
It is also true that every leader must face trials and temptations which when surmounted, proves his real capacity, but reformists often face their greatest trials not from the masses, but from the elite who feel threatened by change.
The current political atmosphere in Benue State with Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia in the saddle as Governor, depicts a clear example of purposeful leadership, courage, and prudence in governance. The Governor has exhibited qualities of a leader determined to deviate from the wasteful status quo ante and restore dignity to public administration, but he is being consciously antagonized.
Since assumption of office, Governor Alia has had his eyes on his vision and has been steadily carrying out his mission on delivering his mandate to the people. His administration has embarked on deliberate reforms and infrastructural development projects aimed at repositioning Benue State for sustainable growth.
From civil service and pension reforms, revolution in agriculture, creation of employment opportunities through the establishment of industries, training of the youth in ICT and digital tools, Urban and rural road rehabilitation to education and healthcare revitalization, Governor Alia is clearly steering the ship of the state with a great sense of mission and accountability.
However, as with every reformer who dares to break from entrenched interests, a section of the political elite has launched a vicious campaign anchored on defective criticism against him. Their major plank of attack revolves around the quantum of revenue Benue now receives from the Federation Account. They fiercely argue that the present administration receives more than its predecessors, making references from funds flowing from the subsidy renewal savings.
As true as this is, the question remains: does it matter how much a leader receives, or how prudently he manages what is available? Have they also taken into account the inflation rate in comparison to the inflow of funds then and now?
Those making these arguments forget the economic situation of these different times. How much a kilometre of road with stone base or asphalt was then, and how much is it now? How much was a bag of cement in the past and how much it is presently? How about a litre of fuel or diesel?
In any case, history reminds us that good governance or leadership is not about abundance but strictly stewardship.
It is on record also that many leaders of this very state in the past had greater access to resources but failed to translate them into tangible development for the people.
What distinguishes the Rev. Gentlemen from his predecessors is not the size of the state’s allocation, but discipline, prudent management of resources, transparency, and deliberate focus on impactful spending.
Furthermore, a prudent manager does not wait to have an elephant before perfecting his sharing formula, but normally marks impactful priorities.
What Governor Alia has demonstrated is very clear. He has taught those who care to know that with careful planning, prioritization, and commitment to the common good, even modest resources can yield visible progress.
Under his administration, every naira is being channeled towards building a better Benue. From improved workers’ welfare to investments in agriculture and empowerment programmes for youths and women among others.
The elites conspiracy against the Governor is nothing but an orchestrated attempt by avowed elements of the old order to distract him from his people-centred mission.
This circle of acrid elites comprises majorly of individuals who utterly squandered their own opportunities to write their names in the good books of history. They have now formed unholy alliances with the primary aim to hold back a sagacious leader, who refuses to be trapped by the failures of the past.
Perhaps, out of political short-sightedness, these lots have forgotten that Benue people know better. They have seen a governor who is accountable, listens to the concerns of the common people and is genuinely interested in their welfare. They have seen developmental projects, especially infrastructural constructions springing up across the state; salaries being paid promptly, and a renewed sense of hope in governance.
There is no need to join the chorus of concocted criticisms, the people of Benue and indeed all Nigerians should do Benue well by rallying behind the priest-turned-governor who is redefining what it means to serve. After all, leadership is thematically courage, integrity, and vision, and Governor Hyacinth Alia epitomizes all three.
Therefore, in a time when cynicism about government abounds, Alia’s performance offers a refreshing testimony that change is indeed possible when sincerity meets service. Those who fear his success are not his enemies alone, but of the people’s progress.
It is time to rise above petty politics and acknowledge excellence where it exists. Governor Alia’s legacy will not be measured by the noise of detractors, but by the enduring impact of his work to ensure a Benue that is cleaner, safer, more prosperous, and hopeful for generations to come.
…Tersoo Kula, is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia
