Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has rejected claims that local government autonomy is not working, stating that the system is fully functional in the state. Speaking with journalists at the State House on Wednesday, Alia emphasized that local councils now operate independently as required by the Constitution, with the state government limited to supervision and accountability. "Our local government autonomy is sacrosanct. The judiciary also enjoys full autonomy. These are verifiable facts," he said. According to Alia, the autonomy has eased pressure on the state government, enabling councils to manage their allocations, carry out projects, and account for spending.
Alia credited President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms for boosting Benue's financial position, enhancing security, expanding infrastructure, and supporting agricultural growth. His administration, he said, has cleared inherited salary and pension arrears and continues to pay workers regularly. More than 550 kilometres of existing roads have been rehabilitated, over 420 kilometres of new roads constructed, and schools and public facilities rebuilt. In healthcare, Alia stated that upgraded facilities and better security have made Benue a medical destination, drawing patients from neighbouring states and the Federal Capital Territory. "If our state were not safe, people would not be coming. The most vulnerable people are the sick, and if they can travel to Benue for treatment, it tells you that security has improved," he said.
Security improvements, Alia said, stem from the Benue Civil Protection Guards, Joint Task Force, community vigilantes, and intelligence-led operations. These gains have enabled displaced farmers to return to their lands, supported by government-provided tractors, seedlings, and agricultural inputs. Alia reiterated his backing for state police, arguing that local policing improves crime prevention because residents know their communities better. He maintained that oversight mechanisms and strong laws can prevent misuse of state police powers.
Governor Alia asserts full local government autonomy while his administration still oversees council spending, creating a contradiction in how independence is defined. If councils are truly autonomous, they would not require state supervision to account for funds. The governor's push for state police alongside praise for existing joint security structures suggests overlapping responsibilities without clarity on command. This blurs accountability even as he credits multiple agencies for improved safety.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
