From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has called on the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to explain the state government’s silence following the disclosure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that Benue now receives as much as N30 billion monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The party, through its state publicity secretary, Bright Antyo, said the disclosure has raised questions about the management of public funds and the need for transparency and accountability in the state.
In a statement it issued to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi, the PDP queried why the state government had yet to publicly respond to Wike’s claim, demanding that Governor Alia either dispute the figures or explain how the funds had been utilised.
The party asked the governor to provide details of the state’s revenue and expenditure, particularly since the removal of the fuel subsidy, which it said had increased the resources available to state governments.
According to the PDP, Governor Alia has yet to present a comprehensive public account of the revenue received, expenditure incurred, projects executed and results achieved since assuming office on 29 May 2023.
The party stated that combined FAAC allocations to the state government and its 23 local government areas exceeded ₦1.3 trillion during the period under review, insisting that both tiers of government must account for the funds received.
The PDP asked the state government to explain how much revenue had accrued, how much had been spent and what tangible benefits the people had derived from the resources.
It specifically questioned the state of healthcare facilities, public schools, agricultural support programmes, road infrastructure and other development projects across the 23 local government areas.
The party cited unfinished township road projects in Makurdi and the prolonged construction of the underpass at High Level as examples of projects it said had raised concerns about implementation timelines and due process.
The opposition party also cited the persistent insecurity in the state, where it noted that communities continue to experience attacks, deaths, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
The PDP, in its demand, said: “We want Governor Alia to break his silence on Wike’s N30 billion monthly FAAC disclosure, publish the state’s revenue and expenditure records since 29 May 2023 and provide verifiable details of projects funded, amounts spent and completion status.”
The party also wants the governor to “explain security expenditure and the results achieved, ensure that all 23 local government councils publicly account for their respective allocations”.
The statement read: “If Wike’s figures are inaccurate, Alia should say so and provide the facts. If they are accurate, he must explain what his administration has done with the money.”
“Public revenue is not a private inheritance. Government money belongs to the people, and the people have a right to know how it is spent.”