For the umpteenth time, the Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia has made it clear to anyone willing to listen that he is not neglecting his appointees. He insists that they have more than enough resources to support themselves and those around them.
This isn’t the first time he has had to defend himself against growing public concern that some of his appointees are not doing enough to help those in need.
So, who should the public believe: Fr. Alia or his “Kwagh ngu ga” appointees?
Part of the challenge with Fr. Alia’s administration seems to stem from his perspective on public service. His focus appears to be on providing services for the greater good rather than catering to individual interests.
His long history as a Catholic priest likely shapes this viewpoint. For over thirty years, he has been dedicated to addressing the spiritual needs of people, regardless of their social status, political beliefs, or financial situations. It seems he has carried that same philosophy into his governance: Government should fundamentally serve the people.
However, the governor has also shown that he can be compassionate on a personal level. He has reportedly stepped in to help with the medical needs of prominent individuals from Benue whenever he’s learned of their health issues. When he built and gifted a house to Senator Suemo Chia, a former member of the National Assembly, many saw this act as proof of his compassion and consideration for those who have contributed to the state in the past.
There’s another layer to this controversy: Some of the governor’s appointees are quite young and, before their appointments, had very little to their names. Many didn’t have steady incomes, homes, or even reliable transportation, and were just scraping by. For these individuals, it might be a tall order to expect them to suddenly become sources of support for a large number of people just because they’ve landed a government position.
They might first need to find some personal stability before they can take on the weight of helping others.
Then there’s the issue of capacity and creativity. Some appointees seem to have fallen into the routine of waiting for budget releases before taking any significant action, overlooking the fact that government offices can tap into other legitimate revenue sources and partnerships to fulfill their goals.
Sure, exploring these alternative paths might require more effort, creativity, and initiative. It’s definitely easier to sit back and wait for funds from the common purse. But when those funds don’t come through, a less imaginative appointee might just sit idle instead of seeking ways to generate resources, create opportunities, attract investments, support the community, and push the administration’s goals forward.
This brings us to the bigger issue of political dependence in Benue.
Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the political landscape in Benue has increasingly been built on a shaky foundation where politics is seen more as a means of survival than as a form of public service. Across generations (the old, middle-aged, or even young people who should be focusing on building their careers), politics has become more of a career path and, in some cases, a way to make a living.
It has become all too common for individuals to abandon other productive endeavors in hopes of landing political appointments or patronage.
Fr. Alia seems genuinely committed to shaking up the status quo. His message is clear: Building a strong state is not just about politics; it’s a collective effort where everyone has a role in pushing Benue forward. It’s not about individual gain; it’s about prioritising the community.
However, there’s a contradiction here that cannot be overlooked.
The governor has consistently urged his appointees to make sacrifices for the greater good of the people. He has even painted a vivid picture of a cane used to brush away dew from a path, allowing others to walk through unhindered.
This metaphor beautifully captures the essence of public service: A public servant might get a little wet or dirty to ensure that others have a smoother journey.
But can this philosophy really hold up over time without addressing the needs of those expected to make these sacrifices?
While some might view it as selfish or even cruel for an appointee to claim they have nothing to offer while seemingly amassing wealth and building estates, it’s equally puzzling that those who feel genuinely deprived still choose to stay in government.
If an appointee truly believes that the working conditions prevent them from fulfilling their duties as expected by both the governor and the public, why not resign?
This context makes the governor’s recent warning all the more significant. Fr. Alia has stated that he will take stock of those who have voiced their inability to contribute and even show them the exit.
The coming days may, therefore, provide an interesting answer to the question: Who should the people trust (Fr. Alia or his appointees)?
Will some aides resign to demonstrate that the governor’s assertion about their ability to care for themselves and others is off the mark? Or will they choose to stay in their positions, thereby supporting the governor’s claim that they have indeed been given enough to fulfil their roles?
The issue at hand goes far beyond just the well-being of political appointees. It brings up a deeper question about what public service truly means in Benue: Is government merely a way for those in office to secure their own survival, or should individuals who take on public roles be ready to make sacrifices for the greater good?
Maybe the real challenge for the Fr. Alia administration isn’t just whether its appointees have enough resources to share, but whether the system is set up in a way that allows public servants to genuinely serve the people without viewing their positions as personal entitlements.
