2027: Alia Deserves Second Term To Consolidate Reforms, Says Numbeve

The Benue State Project Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Dr. Stephen Numbeve, has urged Benue people to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s re-election in 2027, saying continuity is necessary to consolidate the administration’s reforms and sustain the state’s development.

Numbeve, who is also a governance commentator specialising in public policy and rural development, said the Alia administration had recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, industrialisation and governance since assuming office in May 2023.

“As Benue State charts its course toward the 2027 governorship election, one fundamental question should guide our collective conscience: What truly serves Benue’s best interests? The answer, in my view, is unambiguous—continuity, stability and the consolidation of the transformative reforms initiated by Governor Hyacinth Alia,” he said.

He acknowledged that no administration is without shortcomings but argued that the governor’s achievements should be assessed objectively rather than through partisan considerations.

“No administration is flawless, and Governor Alia’s is no exception. Yet fairness demands that we do not dismiss remarkable achievements simply to satisfy political appetites. Those who genuinely love Benue must prioritise the state’s long-term development over personal ambitions and partisan calculations,” he stated.

According to Numbeve, Governor Alia inherited prolonged salary and pension arrears, insecurity, poor infrastructure, economic stagnation and declining public confidence in government but responded with reforms aimed at rebuilding the state’s institutional and economic foundations.

He said one of the administration’s major achievements was infrastructure development.

“Over 500 kilometres of premium-quality roads have been constructed, including the first-ever underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko. Rural connectivity initiatives have transformed farming communities’ access to markets, directly stimulating agricultural commerce and economic activity across hinterland regions,” he said.

Numbeve added that the administration restored the Benue State Secretariat, originally built during the administration of the late Governor Aper Aku, after years of neglect.

On agriculture, he said the government had expanded access to quality farm inputs, mechanisation programmes, irrigation initiatives, agro-processing support and farmer empowerment schemes.

Highlighting the impact of RAAMP, Numbeve said the project had become a catalyst for rural transformation.

“More than 140 culverts and bridges have been constructed across the state, post-harvest losses have been reduced, market access for smallholder farmers has improved, while community investment and economic revitalisation have been strengthened,” he said.

He also commended the administration for ensuring regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

“Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to the prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities has restored dignity to the civil service and renewed public confidence in government,” he said.

Numbeve further praised the administration’s inclusion of young professionals in strategic government positions, describing it as a merit-based approach that had encouraged innovation and renewed youth participation in governance.

Speaking on economic reforms, he said the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), under the management of Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, had witnessed significant revival.

“Orange concentrate production has been restored, Taraku Mills is positioned for production restart, while the company has expanded into nail manufacturing, bread production, bottled water production, housing, transportation and industrial production. These are not mere projects; they represent employment opportunities, wealth creation and catalysts for private-sector participation,” he said.

He also cited the revival of Benue Links Nigeria Limited through the acquisition of 100 new buses, saying the intervention rescued the company from liquidation and restored confidence in public transportation.

On education, Numbeve said the administration had recruited and deployed 9,700 teachers into public primary schools, constructed ultra-modern multi-storey school buildings, established the University of Agriculture and Science Technology at Ihugh, Vandeikya, and created a Moses Orshio Adasu University satellite campus in Kwande Local Government Area, with another campus planned for Benue South Senatorial District.

He added that the Benue State University Teaching Hospital had been equipped with modern medical facilities capable of handling complex medical procedures for patients from Benue and neighbouring states.

Addressing security, Numbeve acknowledged that insecurity remained a challenge but said the administration had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, supported community-based security initiatives, improved surveillance and intelligence gathering, and continued to advocate the establishment of state police.

He also commended the administration’s consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions, youth and women groups, professional bodies and development partners, saying the approach had strengthened inclusive governance.

Questioning calls for a change of government in 2027, Numbeve said the people should focus on measurable performance.

“If a government is visibly transforming infrastructure, reviving industries, expanding education, strengthening healthcare and restoring confidence in governance, should such a government be replaced simply because another election has come? Should Benue interrupt reforms that are already producing measurable results before they reach full maturity?” he asked.

He further questioned whether critics had presented a better development blueprint, whether workers and pensioners should gamble with an administration that now pays salaries and pensions more regularly, and whether the recovery of state-owned enterprises such as BIPC and Benue Links should be halted midway.

“The future of Benue should never be decided by noise, bitterness or political theatrics. It should be determined by evidence, performance, competence and the collective interest of the people,” he said.

Numbeve maintained that the administration’s programmes in industrialisation, institutional reforms, agriculture, infrastructure and revenue modernisation required continuity to achieve their full impact.

“Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia merits a second term. The reforms currently underway require uninterrupted leadership for optimal results. Continuity under Governor Alia represents not merely stability; it represents accelerated development, deeper investor confidence, stronger institutions, expanded opportunities for young people, sustainable economic growth and Benue’s continued emergence as one of Nigeria’s leading states,” he said.