A former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom on Research and Documentation, Hon. Iorliam Shija, has criticised the inauguration of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Economic and Policy Advisory Team, describing the move as ill-timed and politically misplaced.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Shija acknowledged that while the decision to set up an economic advisory body was commendable, its timing significantly undermined its potential impact.
According to him, such a strategic team ought to have been constituted at the inception of the administration in 2023 to effectively guide policy direction and ensure meaningful outcomes.
He argued that establishing the team at a stage when the administration is nearing the end of its tenure raises concerns about its relevance and effectiveness.
“An Economic and Policy Advisory Team is typically designed to shape policy direction, provide long-term planning and influence the trajectory of an administration,” Shija stated.
“Project monitoring structures are most effective when they are put in place at the beginning of a government’s life cycle, not towards the end. Agencies responsible for economic development and project supervision require time to build systems, formulate policies and deliver measurable results.”
Shija questioned the practical impact the newly inaugurated team could make within the limited time left before the end of the current administration, noting that governance is not only about making the right decisions but also about making them at the appropriate time.
He maintained that the move could be seen as a diversion from pressing governance challenges and growing public dissatisfaction in some quarters.
The public affairs analyst further observed that the political climate in Benue State demands urgent attention to reconciliation and consensus-building, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he said remains divided.
“In a situation where the governor is seeking a second term under challenging political circumstances, one would expect greater focus on stakeholder engagement, reconciliation and strengthening party cohesion,” he said.
He added that rebuilding trust among aggrieved political actors and consolidating grassroots support could have a more immediate impact on the governor’s political future than the creation of new advisory structures.
While noting that it is not too late for reforms, Shija emphasised that the issue at stake is one of sequencing and priorities.
“This is not a criticism of governance or the individuals appointed. It is a question of timing. Governor Alia had ample opportunity between securing the APC ticket in 2022 and his inauguration in May 2023 to assemble a comprehensive governing team and strategic roadmap,” he said.
“Now, nearly three years into the administration and with another election cycle fast approaching, the question remains why such critical structures are only being introduced at this stage.”
Shija therfore added that only time and ultimately the electorate would determine whether the late formation of the Economic and Policy Advisory Team would yield meaningful results or stand as a missed opportunity in the administration’s policy trajectory.
Ends
