…….Party demands revenue, expenditure records, project details, security spending
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to clarify the state’s monthly revenue following a disclosure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the state receives as much as ₦30 billion monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The party also called on the governor to publish comprehensive records of revenue received and expenditure incurred by his administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023, insisting that residents deserve a transparent account of public funds.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi, the Benue PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, questioned the state government’s silence over Wike’s reported disclosure, urging Alia to either dispute the figure or explain how the money had been utilised.
The party described the disclosure as significant, arguing that it raised questions about the state’s financial position and the extent to which increased federal allocations had translated into tangible development.
“ If Wike’s figures are inaccurate, Alia should say so and provide the facts. If they are accurate, he must explain what his administration has done with the money,” the statement said.
According to the PDP, its assessment puts combined FAAC allocations to the state government and the 23 local government areas at more than ₦1.3 trillion during the period under review.
It maintained that both the state and local governments had a responsibility to account for the funds received, particularly amid concerns over infrastructure, public services and persistent insecurity in several communities.
The opposition party questioned the pace of development in the state, asking the government to provide details of functional hospitals, equipped schools, agricultural support programmes, completed roads and other projects across the 23 local government areas.
In Makurdi, the PDP cited excavated township roads that it alleged remained unfinished, as well as the prolonged construction of the High Level underpass, as examples of projects requiring explanations on implementation timelines and procurement procedures.
The party also linked its demand for financial transparency to the security situation in Benue, where communities have continued to face attacks, deaths, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
It called on the Alia administration to disclose the amount allocated to security operations and provide verifiable information on the results achieved, particularly in protecting lives, restoring peace and supporting affected communities.
The PDP outlined five demands, including a public response to Wike’s reported ₦30 billion monthly FAAC disclosure, publication of the state’s revenue and expenditure records since May 29, 2023, and a detailed account of projects funded, amounts spent and their completion status.
It further demanded transparency in security spending and urged all 23 local government councils to publish their respective revenue and expenditure records.
The party argued that public funds should be subject to scrutiny, regardless of the level of government receiving the allocations.
“Public revenue is not a private inheritance. Government money belongs to the people, and the people have a right to know how it is spent,” Antyo added
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