By Fely Mammah, Abuja

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has firmly dispelled widespread rumours suggesting he plans to replace his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking recently at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia made it categorically clear that “there is no vacancy for the office of Deputy Governor.” He praised Dr. Ode as “cerebral, capable, and people-oriented,” emphasizing their strong working relationship and shared vision for the state.

“Governance is about the people, and my deputy understands this perfectly. He has the capacity to deliver, and I have no reason to look elsewhere,” the Governor stated.

Governor Alia used the opportunity to caution political hopefuls dreaming of the deputy governor’s seat to channel their energy towards supporting his administration’s mission to “transform Benue and attract the attention of global leaders.”

Touching on key issues, Governor Alia addressed recent controversies surrounding the N100 billion approved by the Benue State House of Assembly. He clarified that the funds are designated for specific developmental projects, including:
    1.    Renovation and equipping of general hospitals and healthcare centres.
    2.    Overhaul of science and technical schools across the state.
    3.    Completion of abandoned roads, bridges, drainage, and power projects.
    4.    Establishment of skills acquisition centres to tackle youth unemployment.
    5.    Construction and equipping of smart schools in all federal constituencies.

He warned opposition parties, particularly the PDP, against spreading falsehoods, urging them to verify facts before engaging in “character defamation and slander that may lead to legal consequences.”

Governor Alia, dubbed “Mr. 2025th” by civil servants, has earned widespread respect for his prudent management of state resources. In less than two years, he has cleared over ₦187.7 billion in debts accumulated by previous administrations — all without borrowing.

He also exposed and rejected unaccounted bailout funds, Paris Club refunds, and LNG revenues from past governments, calling them “financial genocides” that harmed the state’s progress.

According to the Debt Management Office, Benue’s local debt now stands at under ₦125 — a significant reduction that marks a turning point in the state’s fiscal health.

A Catholic priest-turned-politician, Fr. Alia brings a deeply spiritual and people-centered approach to leadership. He believes governance is a sacred trust and has made continuity a hallmark of his administration by completing abandoned projects inherited from past governments.

Governor Alia’s refusal to embark on frivolous foreign trips and his focus on grassroots development further distinguish his tenure. His administration, he insists, is built on transparency, unity, and inclusivity — putting people before politics.

“The APC is a coordinator, not a disconnector. We’re not here to divide but to unite for a common purpose,” he declared, linking his leadership to the values of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has not only silenced speculations about political discord in Benue’s executive arm but also set a new standard for leadership driven by transparency, accountability, and vision.