Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that the state owes N359 billion, as opposed to the N187.7 billion that his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, provided to him as the state’s debt profile.
Governor Alia made the announcement at the Interdenominational Church Service held on Sunday to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence at the Methodist Church, South Bank, Makurdi.
He claimed that the state could not sustain the enormous debt left by past administrations.
Gov. Alia stated that his administration is devoted and undeterred in its attempts to repair the state and save it from debts created by the previous administration’s wrong priorities in the state.
“As we speak, our state’s debt burden stands at N359 billion,” Alia added. How long will it take us to repay that if we do so? But we knew the pot was already broken when we arrived. So we will take measures to correct it because that is why our constituents chose us.”
Gov Alia went on to say that his administration had already taken steps to ensure that Benue workers received their salaries on the 25th of every month, and that pensioners who had been forgotten in the past had been resurrected.
He stated that his government was prepared to address difficulties impeding the state’s development since God placed him in power for a reason and he ensures the state’s greatest development.
Gov. Alia advised the people of the state to invest in agriculture, where they have a comparative edge due to the vast resources in the field.
He recommended them to take advantage of cassava growing, as the state is one of the country’s largest producers of cassava and yams.
Gov. Alia also condemned the operations of illegal miners in some sections of the state, saying that the state was sitting on enormous treasure that had yet to be properly exploited, and that measures will be taken by the administration to exploit the sector.
“As a result, all illegal mining in the state must cease immediately.” “Any truck entering the state for that purpose must have approval from both the federal and state governments,” he said.
He urged the clergy and traditional rulers to take the lead in putting an end to all types of criminality in the state, including banditry and kidnappings, as well as the interruption of agricultural activity.