I’ve Not Taken Any Loan Since I Assumed Office – Gov. Alia Says

The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia on Friday, June 14, 2024 declared that his administration has not borrowed any money since it assumed office on May 29, 2023.

The Governor in statement while reacting to reports in circulation stating that the Government of Rev. Fr. Alia borrowed £25 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB), to execute 500 kilometers of road projects across the state, described the reports as totally untrue, misleading and a figment of the imagination of the authors or rumour mongers, thus, should be disregarded by the good people of the state.

The statement signed by Sir Tersoo Kula, stressed that the European Investment Bank (EIB), which was quoted to have granted the loan to the state government, is not a money lending agency.

It explained that the European Investment Bank (EIB) only finances and supports long-term projects within the European nations and, in rare cases, outside the European Union.

In the words of Kula; “The £25m quoted is not a loan., and the public, particularly, those misinforming the good people of the state must understand that, as the Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has brought back belief and trust in governance; rekindled the confidence of lovers of development, thereby attracting donor agencies and development partners to the state.

“His government has also been visibly active in the payment of counterpart funds where and when necessary. Therefore, it is not strange that Benue made the list of states penciled to enjoy the £25million, together with other states such as Borno, Taraba, Anambra, Cross River and Edo.

“Moreover, every sane mind understands that before taking a loan of such magnitude, (be it soft or Bond), the laws are clear that an approval of the legislative arm of government MUST be sought and gotten to that effect,” he stressed.

Kula specifically said that it should be very clear to all that so far, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has not seen any need to borrow any money from anywhere, adding that if the need arises, every due process will be followed.

He further said; “and as one operating a very transparent government, the people will be told why and how much is to be borrowed and for what purpose.

“It is an undisputed fact that Gov. Alia has so far displayed prudent and fiscal management of resources. This, the Benue people, are not in doubt. The £25m when disbursed by the EIB, will also be judiciously used for the purpose it is meant for,” he assured.