Mr. James Ian, Media Assistant to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), has taken a swipe at Governor Hyacinth Alia over what he described as the administration’s failure to curb insecurity in the state.
Ian, in a strongly worded statement, accused the governor of neglecting the plight of citizens who continue to suffer from persistent attacks and displacement across several communities.
He was reacting to remarks credited to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, who had criticised Aondoakaa in a statement concerning the forthcoming 2027 governorship election.
The PDP chieftain’s aide expressed concern that rather than addressing pressing governance issues, the state government had resorted to political attacks.
He questioned why the Alia administration had failed to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes three years after assuming office.
According to him, the continued displacement of thousands of citizens contradicts the governor’s campaign promises made at the inception of his administration in 2023.
He recalled that Alia had pledged to ensure the return of IDPs within his first 100 days in office.
Ian argued that the unfulfilled promise has become symbolic of what he termed a broader failure in governance.
He further criticised Kula’s statement titled, “Benue Guber 2027: Integrity is the cornerstone of public service,” describing it as a diversion from critical issues affecting the people.
He maintained that the government’s response to legitimate concerns has been characterised by attacks rather than factual engagement.
In his counter statement, Ian faulted the governor’s spokesman for focusing on Aondoakaa instead of addressing key questions about governance.
He said the administration had failed to provide answers to issues relating to insecurity, infrastructure and public welfare.
“Three years after Governor Alia assumed office, why are our communities still under relentless attacks?” Ian queried.
He also asked why thousands of displaced persons remain unable to return home despite earlier assurances.
The aide further demanded accountability regarding the utilisation of increased revenues accruing to the state following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He questioned how government spending on infrastructure, education and healthcare has translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
Ian insisted that these issues, rather than political rhetoric, would shape the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.
He dismissed claims that the governor is not being challenged on performance as inaccurate.
According to him, opposition parties, civil society groups and concerned citizens have consistently raised concerns about governance in the state.
He noted that the administration has allegedly failed to provide data-driven responses to these concerns.
Quoting from his statement, Ian said integrity in public service must be measured by the fulfilment of promises rather than media pronouncements.
He argued that despite assurances to end insecurity, Benue State continues to experience violence and instability.
He added that transparency in governance remains questionable, particularly in relation to security votes and public expenditures.
Ian also addressed claims relating to Aondoakaa’s past, stating that judicial observations do not equate to criminal convictions or disqualification from public office.
He emphasised that in a constitutional democracy, individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
He stressed that the focus of Benue voters should be on the current administration’s performance rather than past political narratives.
He called on Governor Alia to subject his administration to public scrutiny and allow citizens to assess its record.
According to him, the real concern for the people lies in their daily struggles with insecurity, poor infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
Ian concluded that the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by the lived experiences of the people, including farmers, families and workers seeking better living conditions.
He added that voters would judge the administration based on whether the state is safer, more prosperous and better governed than it was in 2023.
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