Benue South LG Chairmen Back Alia’s Development Drive — Group Dismisses Sen. Moro’s Abandonment Claim

By David Odama

A wave of political solidarity swept through Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) on Wednesday as local government chairmen from the area rallied behind Governor Hyacinth Alia for his record of inclusive governance and visible development achievements.

They dismissed Senator Abba Moro’s claim that Zone C had been “abandoned,” describing it as baseless and contrary to the governor’s proven record of political integration and infrastructural investment in the district.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the council leaders representing all nine local government areas of Zone C passed a vote of confidence in Governor Alia, insisting that no administration in recent history had given Benue South such attention and representation.

Leading the group, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council and Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State chapter, said the governor’s leadership had restored confidence among the people and delivered tangible progress at the grassroots.

“Governor Alia has demonstrated fairness and inclusion by appointing capable sons and daughters of Zone C into key positions while addressing long-neglected development needs,” Ejeh stated.

He pointed to ongoing and completed projects across the senatorial district as evidence that the region was not being sidelined. Among the highlighted initiatives was the Okokolo–Obagaji–Agagbe Road in Agatu — a project that had long been a campaign promise but is now under active construction.

“That road had become a political talking point for years,” Ejeh noted. “Today, work is visibly progressing — a practical demonstration of the governor’s commitment to Zone C.”

Other key projects cited include the rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works in Otukpo, which had been abandoned for years but is now operational, and the Ado–Igumale–Agila and Oju–Awajir roads, both receiving what the chairmen described as “executive attention” to boost inter-community connectivity.

The ALGON delegation also lauded Governor Alia for approving a Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Annex in Agatu — the first of its kind in Zone C — describing it as a milestone toward equitable healthcare delivery.

“This step decentralizes access to quality medical services and benefits everyone in the senatorial district,” Ejeh said, adding that another BSUTH Annex had been completed in Ugbokolo, Senator Moro’s hometown, under Alia’s directive — further proof of inclusivity.

On the political front, Ejeh emphasized that Alia’s administration had achieved “unparalleled representation” for Benue South in the state’s governance structure.

“For the first time, Zone C has six commissioners in the state executive council, holding critical portfolios such as Finance, Education, Health, Women Affairs, Information, and Water Resources. That’s a clear statement of inclusion,” he stressed.

The chairmen accused Senator Moro of attempting to sow disaffection through misinformation, saying the people of Benue South were now politically aware and would judge leaders by performance, not rhetoric.

“We will no longer be pawns in anyone’s political survival game,” the chairmen declared. “The people of Zone C can see and feel the difference. Governor Alia has given us a sense of belonging that words alone cannot erase.”

Reaffirming their vote of confidence in the governor, the chairmen pledged continued cooperation to advance the development of the state.

“We are solidly behind His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia. He has proven through action that Benue South is not forgotten — it remains central to his vision for an inclusive and prosperous Benue,” they concluded.