Gov Alia running Benue like a church – Abba Moro
Senate Minority Leader Critiques Benue Governor’s Leadership Style
BENUE, Nigeria — Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and representative of Benue South, has sharply criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia, claiming that decision-making in Benue State is excessively centralized within the governor’s office.
Moro voiced his concerns during an interview on African Independent Television’s “Democracy Today” program, where he evaluated the current performance of the state government. He argued that governors and political appointees lack meaningful responsibilities, as critical decisions are made solely by the governor.
“If these people are angry with him, if people are not happy with him, it is his duty as a leader to engage them and say, ‘Let’s build this state together,’” Moro stated. He further described the political climate in Benue as one where authority appears to reside with a single individual.
The senator also alleged that Governor Alia has assumed roles traditionally held by senior officials, including responsibilities typically assigned to the Accountant General and the Finance and Works Commissioners. “Governor Alia is performing functions that should not solely fall to him,” Moro remarked.
He urged residents to conduct assessments regarding the responsibilities and influence of political appointees in the state. “Conduct a discreet survey and see whether these appointees have anything to do,” he suggested.
Moro’s criticism also included observations from his visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, highlighting what he considers a failure by the administration to empower officials to adequately address humanitarian needs. He recounted an incident where a commissioner proposed a donation of ₦150,000 to be divided among three IDP camps, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “I told the Honourable Commissioner that if all he wanted to spend was ₦150,000, he should come privately,” Moro said, noting he contributed funds directly due to the emergency.
Additionally, he referenced a visit to another IDP camp, where he claimed the Deputy Governor promised ₦1 million to soldiers fighting insecurity. “The Deputy Governor doesn’t have ₦1,000,000 to spend. That is a pathetic situation in the state,” he added.
Moro’s remarks raise questions about the governance practices in Benue State and the distribution of authority among its officials as the state grapples with pressing challenges.
