“It Works Here”: Alia rejects claims against local govt autonomy

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has pushed back against claims that local government autonomy is failing, insisting that the system is fully operational and delivering results in the state.

Speaking with journalists at the State House on Wednesday, Alia said local councils in Benue now function independently as provided by the Constitution, while the state government focuses on supervision and accountability.

“Our local government autonomy is sacrosanct. The judiciary also enjoys full autonomy. These are verifiable facts,” the governor said.

Alia explained that local government autonomy had reduced pressure on his administration, allowing councils to execute their own projects after receiving allocations and account for how resources are spent.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they had improved Benue’s finances, strengthened security, boosted infrastructure development and supported agriculture.

According to the governor, prudent management of resources has enabled his administration to clear inherited salary and pension arrears while maintaining regular payment of workers’ entitlements.

Alia claimed his administration had rehabilitated more than 550 kilometres of roads and constructed over 420 kilometres of new roads, alongside rebuilding schools and other public facilities.

On healthcare, the governor said improved security and upgraded facilities had turned Benue into a medical destination, attracting patients from neighbouring states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“If our state were not safe, people would not be coming. The most vulnerable people are the sick, and if they can travel to Benue for treatment, it tells you that security has improved,” he said.

Alia attributed the security gains to the Benue Civil Protection Guards, the Joint Task Force, community vigilantes and intelligence-driven security operations.

He added that improved security had allowed more internally displaced persons to return to farming, with government support through tractors, seedlings and agricultural inputs.

The governor also renewed his support for state police, arguing that community-based policing would make crime prevention more effective because residents understand their environment better.

“When people police their own communities, they know who belongs there and who does not. Intelligence becomes much easier to gather,” he said.

Alia maintained that concerns about possible abuse of state police could be addressed through strong laws, oversight and accountability measures.