BROKEN PROMISES: BAMET Urges Governor Alia to Return IDPs Home, Abandon 5-Year Plan
Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State APC Media Team (BAMET) has expressed disappointment in Governor Hyacinth Alia for failing to fulfill his campaign promise to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office. BAMET criticized the governor’s decision to pivot to a five-year action plan, describing it as a deviation from his initial commitment and a show of poor leadership.
Unfulfilled Campaign Promises
During his campaign, Governor Alia accused the previous administration of exploiting the plight of IDPs for personal gain. He pledged to end the killings in Benue and return IDPs to their homes within 100 days, boasting on live television about his deep understanding of the situation and readiness to act decisively.
However, nearly two years into his tenure, Governor Alia has yet to honor this promise. Instead, he unveiled a five-year framework that BAMET criticized as vague, lacking concrete steps or timelines for implementation.
Criticism of the Alia Administration
BAMET accused Governor Alia’s administration of adopting “diversionary tactics” and prioritizing public relations stunts over actionable policies. The group lamented the lack of clear direction in tackling Benue’s pressing challenges, particularly the IDP crisis, describing the governor’s approach as “deceitful and inimical to the growth and development” of the state.
The media team expressed concern that key government agencies under Governor Alia’s leadership have shifted their focus from governance to fanfare and populist posturing, which they argued only worsens the plight of the IDPs.
Insecurity and Farmer-Herder Conflict
BAMET also criticized Governor Alia for failing to address the root causes of insecurity in the state, particularly the repeated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The group accused the governor of ignoring these atrocities and, instead, shifting blame to Benue farmers by accusing them of stealing and butchering cows, a narrative that they say trivializes the loss of lives and property.
The recent killing of six individuals in Uzer Community, Logo Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen further underscores the urgent need for decisive action, BAMET emphasized. The group urged Governor Alia to abandon excuses and take responsibility for restoring peace and security in the state.
Call for Transparency and Decisive Action
BAMET urged Governor Alia to prioritize the welfare and safety of IDPs and to deliver on his campaign promises. They called for transparency, accountability, and a robust policy framework that addresses the security and humanitarian crises in Benue.
The group also criticized the five-year plan as lacking the essential components needed to resolve the crisis and demanded a return to the governor’s initial commitment of resettling IDPs promptly.
“Governor Alia must work towards fulfilling his promise to the IDPs. The people of Benue State deserve leadership that prioritizes their safety and well-being,” BAMET concluded.
