Benue State Governor’s Special Assistant on Social Media Communications, Asortar James, has defended Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration against criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the reported N30 billion monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC.
James, in a statement dated October 18, 2026, responded to the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, who questioned the governor’s management of the state’s finances and demanded accountability for the reported allocation.
He maintained that although public officials must be held accountable, such demands should be based on verifiable facts rather than political allegations.
According to him, the administration had introduced reforms and embarked on development projects across various sectors since Alia assumed office on May 29, 2023.
He cited the introduction of free basic education from Basic One to Basic Nine and the recruitment of more than 9,700 teachers as efforts to improve access to education and reduce the financial burden on parents.
The governor’s aide also highlighted road construction, urban renewal, drainage projects and underpass construction, describing them as part of efforts to improve transportation and stimulate economic activities across the state.
In the health sector, he pointed to interventions at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the cancer treatment centre and maternal and child healthcare services.
He further listed the implementation of a N75,000 minimum wage and efforts to address inherited salary and pension obligations as measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
On security, the statement referenced government support for security operations, the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force known as Anyam Nyor, noting that efforts were ongoing to protect residents, restore peace and support displaced communities.
James also identified agricultural mechanisation, farmer-support initiatives and agribusiness partnerships as strategies to boost food production and strengthen Benue’s position as Nigeria’s food basket.
He added that initiatives involving Taraku Mills and the Benue Investment and Property Company were intended to attract investments, promote industrialisation and create employment opportunities.
Other projects listed included efforts to strengthen Benue Links, introduce new buses, improve access to affordable transportation and implement the Light Up Makurdi initiative.
On the controversy surrounding the reported N30 billion monthly FAAC allocation, the governor’s aide called for the figure to be assessed against official financial records.
He explained that FAAC allocations fluctuate and that funds received by the state government should be distinguished from allocations belonging to the 23 local government councils.
He also noted that total revenue received by the government does not necessarily represent funds available for new projects, given its obligations to pay salaries, pensions and other statutory expenses.
According to him, the reported allocation alone does not establish financial misconduct or prove that public funds have been mismanaged.
He urged interested parties to examine official revenue records, expenditure statements, audited accounts and project documentation to determine how public funds had been utilised.
Addressing concerns over insecurity, James acknowledged the suffering of affected communities and stressed the need for sustained efforts to protect lives, assist displaced families and achieve lasting peace.
He also maintained that unfinished projects should be subjected to scrutiny but argued that ongoing construction does not automatically constitute evidence of corruption.
He said contract terms, funding arrangements, implementation progress and completion timelines should be considered before conclusions are drawn about projects.
The governor’s aide challenged the PDP to complement its criticism with credible evidence, practical recommendations and solutions to the challenges confronting the state.
He added that allegations of wrongdoing should be referred to the appropriate institutions for investigation, while the government should continue to improve transparency by making financial information and project outcomes accessible to the public.
James urged residents to assess Alia’s administration based on its policies, documented achievements, outstanding obligations and the challenges that remain unresolved.
He stressed that support for development should not amount to blind loyalty, just as opposition should not involve dismissing every government initiative.
He called on political stakeholders to prioritise the interests of Benue State above partisan differences, insisting that accountability, constructive criticism and cooperation were necessary for sustainable development.
Alia’s achievements speak louder than propaganda - Aide replies PDP over N30bn FAAC