Gov Alia inherits ₦359bn salary arrears, vows to prioritise workers’ salaries

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State recently made significant statements during a thank-you tour of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, addressing key issues and making promises to the people of Benue State. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

### Financial Inheritance and Commitment to Salaries:
– **Inherited Salary Arrears:** Governor Alia disclosed that his administration inherited over ₦359 billion in salary arrears from previous administrations.
– **Federal Government Funds:** He alleged that previous state administrations were misled about federal funding, which he claimed affected the state’s ability to pay salaries.

### Promises and Commitments:
– **Salary Payment:** The governor pledged that henceforth, civil servants in Benue State will receive their salaries from the 22nd of every month, ensuring timely payment.
– **Infrastructure and Development:** He promised to revive the Igumale Cement factory and initiate the construction of access roads in Okpoga. Additionally, he vowed to address electricity issues by bringing 5,000kw electricity to Okpoga to alleviate the darkness in the area.

### Political Support and Opposition Challenges:
– **Gratitude and Support:** Governor Alia expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by the people and urged continued support for his administration.
– **Opposition and Challenges:** Former Senatorial candidate Daniel Onjeh, speaking at the event, urged the governor to fulfill campaign promises and not be swayed by opposition criticism regarding infrastructure and appointments.

### Political Dynamics:
– **Party Dynamics:** The event also saw 500 individuals defecting from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting ongoing political realignments and support for the governor’s agenda.

### Conclusion:
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s statements and promises underscore his administration’s commitment to addressing inherited financial challenges, prioritizing timely salary payments, and initiating developmental projects aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in Benue State. The political landscape also reflects ongoing challenges and realignments as the governor seeks to deliver on his commitments amidst opposition scrutiny.