By

Fely Mammah 

A cross-section of Benue residents has expressed strong support for Governor Hyacinth Alia, commending what they describe as significant improvements in governance, infrastructure, and public welfare over the past two years.

Governor Alia, who took office in 2023, has been hailed by supporters as one of the most impactful administrators in the state’s history. They credit him with attracting new business opportunities, improving basic services, and elevating Benue’s visibility nationally. According to them, if these gains are sustained beyond his tenure, the state could experience economic growth comparable to regions with stronger resource bases.

Supporters also claim that the governor’s rapid reforms have unsettled political opponents, who they say were unprepared for the scale and speed of change. Before Alia’s emergence, they argue, Benue struggled with limited recognition, economic hardship, and a sense of stagnation—a situation many residents likened to a period of prolonged suffering.

Alia’s administration, they maintain, has charted a new course grounded in transparency, discipline, and a commitment to development. The recent rise in political criticism and personal attacks, they insist, is evidence of resistance from individuals uncomfortable with reform or threatened by shifts away from past practices.

Many citizens say they believe their governor is restoring dignity to public service and reviving hope across the state. They compare his developmental approach to that of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose tenure supporters also say faced strong opposition that hindered progress. Residents now insist they will not allow misinformation or political tactics to derail ongoing reforms.

Supporters of the “Yes Father” movement say Governor Alia’s leadership has resulted in:
    1.    Improved internally generated revenue (IGR) without placing undue burdens on citizens.
    2.    Expanded employment opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and better working conditions for civil servants.
    3.    Modernized infrastructure, including urban renewal efforts in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.
    4.    Strengthened security collaboration, significantly reducing attacks in several communities.
    5.    Revitalized education, with school renovations, teacher recruitment, and increased funding.
    6.    Upgraded healthcare facilities and recruitment of health professionals.
    7.    Consistent salary payments, in contrast to previous periods of debt and arrears.
    8.    Payroll reforms that removed ghost workers and safeguarded public funds.
    9.    Major road rehabilitation and new construction projects across the state.
    10.    Employment of nearly 12,000 civil servants, providing economic stability to numerous households.

Residents emphasize that these achievements are visible, measurable, and verifiable within the governor’s first two years in office. They stress that the renewed optimism in Benue is a reflection of substantive progress, not political rhetoric.

According to supporters, “Benue State is breathing again—development is moving positively, order is returning, and hope is rising.”