Why Benue accounts will remain frozen – Governor Alia

• The Benue State accounts were frozen to prevent continuous looting of the state treasury, according to Governor Alia
• Governor Alia has a cordial relationship with Senator George Akume and plans to host a reception for the SGF

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, explained on Saturday that his administration decided to keep the state’s accounts frozen to prevent continuous looting of the state treasury.

Alia stated this during his first meeting with state media practitioners, which took place at Government House’s new banquet hall in Makurdi.

The state government recently stated that some senior employees in the state were discovered to be receiving pay from three different sources: the state, the local government, and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

When asked why the state accounts were constantly closed, the Catholic priest-turned-politician said it was the right decision because hyenas and hawks were still lurking around.

He said;

Even as I speak to you, there are still hyenas and hawks waiting for anything to drop and they will take them out because landmines have been set, and I think we have done perfectly well.

It is not yet time for the unfreezing to be done. I’m still looking at each of the parastatals, ministries and agencies and if you take a peep at what is there, you will be shocked and you will ask me to close the account until the end of the year.

While the freeze is still on, any government parastatal that is in need should bring it to the appropriate place and it is treated.

In response to reports that his relationship with his political godfather, Senator George Akume, was strained, the governor stated that he had a cordial and harmonious relationship with the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

He labelled as ‘saboteurs’ those who spread false information about the brewing crisis to profit from it.

He revealed plans to host a lavish reception for the SGF in the state.

He said;

Plans are in the work to welcome him back home as the highest rank officer in the North Central. We should celebrate him rather than make insinuations. I am accessible.

I will create a day for anyone without official business to come and chat with me. The job demands that I have less sleep. People call me to demand for commissioner slot not for themselves but for friends and I tell them we have few positions and they should wait for next term. We are not out of the woods yet; I have a lot of domestic debts on my head that I need to clear.

Speaking on the composition of his cabinet, the governor said that he had fulfilled the constitutional provision.