Alia’s Luxury Office and The Neglect of Benue Masses
-“When the gods want to destroy a man, they first make him run mad in his policy perspective”
By Morgan Adikwu
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s plan to construct a luxury governor’s office while the masses endure extreme poverty and neglected public services has struck a bitter chord with the people of Benue. His ambitious campaign promises painted an image of hope, a future where basic needs like functional water facilities, accessible healthcare, and sturdy rural roads would finally be met. Yet, just months into his administration, it’s becoming evident that the reality contrasts sharply with the vision sold to the public.
This new office project, flaunted as a mark of prestige, stands as a painful reminder of broken promises. Rather than addressing the unpaid arrears, IDPs in the Camps, poorly funded health centers, or the ongoing struggle with inadequate infrastructure, Alia has chosen to invest in personal comfort over public good. The disappointment felt by the citizens is palpable. Once hoodwinked by campaign rhetoric and inspiring pledges, they now find themselves grappling with a leader seemingly more interested in opulence than in tackling the region’s pressing issues.
The disillusionment among Benue’s residents is not solely about the office; it’s the wider context of poor governance, unfulfilled promises, and misaligned priorities. The upward budget revisions for the Makurdi underpass project, which remains unfinished, add to the frustration. The inflated costs point to a government prioritizing grandiose projects over practical solutions that would benefit the people.
Benue residents, now awakened to the reality behind Alia’s administration, are fed up with a leadership that seems increasingly out of touch with their daily struggles. They demand leaders who will walk the talk and put the people’s welfare at the forefront, not insulate themselves in luxury at the expense of public progress.
The masses are starting to recover from the hoodwink that once led them to believe Alia would be different. Yet, each decision underscores a deeper betrayal, exposing the administration’s indifference to those who voted it into power.
What Benue needs is not further extravagance but a leader who recognizes the people’s trust as sacred and directs resources toward meaningful projects that will uplift them out of poverty and neglect. The citizens are ready for genuine progress, not empty symbolism—and they are making it clear they won’t settle for anything less.
