Alia’s Obsession with LG Funds: Root Cause of Benue APC War 

*May Seek Reconciliation After October 5th*

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s obsession with controlling local government funds is at the heart of the current Benue APC crisis. His refusal to allow local governments to operate autonomously has sparked serious internal conflicts within the party.

Alia’s tight grip on local funds, fueled by recent increases in allocations after fuel subsidy removal, has sidelined grassroots development. This political battle has not only paralyzed local administration but also disrupted development projects meant to uplift communities.

Alia was among the governors who challenged the federal government’s push for LG autonomy, a move that sought to free LGs from state interference and ensure financial independence. His refusal to relinquish control over LG funds has stunted local administration, hindering projects vital to the development of rural communities.

Several aspirants, who purchased nomination forms for over 5 million naira, feel betrayed after BSIEC replaced their names on the list to contest the 5th October 2024 local government election in the State.

Meanwhile, the Comrade Austin Agada-led APC State Working Committee has conducted primary elections for the upcoming local government elections. Political analysts speculate that courts may likely recognize Agada’s list as the authentic candidates for the APC. This presents another legal hurdle that threatens the October 5th elections.

Governor Alia’s political indiscipline, coupled with his desire to centralize power, has created chaos within the Benue APC. Observers have noted that his obsession with local government finances is the primary point of contention between him and party stakeholders. This control has not only ignited internal disputes but has also undermined the very essence of local governance, as elected officials are being sidelined in favor of political appointees loyal to the governor.

To further complicate matters, Alia has often deployed subterfuge, feigning political victimization to gain sympathy from the Villa. He portrays himself as a political orphan, using this narrative to plead with national stakeholders to overlook his erratic political behavior. By framing himself as a victim of inexperienced party officials, he hopes to secure forgiveness for his political excesses.

He employed this strategy after staging a political coup during the Benue APC Assembly leadership election, and again during the nomination of the State cabinet and LG Caretaker Committee. This tactic, though hackneyed, has helped him dodge accountability while consolidating control over local government funds.

Critics have called on Governor Alia to remove his hands from local government administration. By doing so, they argue, grassroots development could thrive and local governments could manage their resources more effectively.

They further opined that governors should focus on statewide issues and allow local governments to function as independent units. Local government elections should be conducted by INEC to ensure credibility and transparency, especially in cases where the state electoral body is seen as compromised.

Despite the political upheaval, there are expectations that Alia may seek reconciliation after October 5th. His subterfuge, combined with his capacity to feign political innocence to secure forgiveness for his political misdemeanors.

However, as the courts weigh in on the litigations and the October 5th elections approach, the future of the Benue APC remains in question; whether Governor Alia will reconcile the Benue APC and allow democracy to prevail at the grassroots level, or will his obsession with controlling LG funds lead to further crises? His next moves will determine the future of grassroots governance and the political integrity of the APC in Benue State.

Evil party call APC.

Gov. Alia is terrible.