Gov. Alia swears- in caretaker chairmen at night amidst controversy

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia deferred all odds to swear-in 21 care taker local government Councils at 1:00am Tuesday.
The event which took place at the Government House, Makurdi is the first time such has occured since democratic dispensation in the State.
It was learnt that the Governor hurriedly sworn the care taker committees to avoid any court injunction that would have restrained him from doing so.
11 out of 32 members had confirmed the names of the committee members as G-22 staged a walk out just as four members were suspended for three months for unruly conduct.
While swearing -in the committee, Governor Alia called on them to justify the confidence reposed in them by being accountable and transparent in discharge of their responsibilities.
He said with their appointment, his administration has demonstrated determination to re-inject vibrancy in the administration of local government system.
According to him, “your selection as caretaker committee chairmen was based on your contributions to the development of the state and the country as a whole.”
He added that, local government being among the three tiers of government, is critical to the operation of his administration as it played a major role in the provision of social services to the people.
The Governor, who cautioned them against mismanagement of resources, admonished them to provide the needed change in their respective council areas saying that there is no room for financial mismanagement.
“I urge you to work with relevant stakeholders for smooth running of your councils. I assure you that the present administration under my care would ensure poverty reduction through various schemes”, Alia said.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Hon Philip Achua pledged their support to the governor for the success of his administration.
Those inaugurated include; Hon. Onazi Agbese Charles for Ado local government, Hon. Ochayi Alidu for Apa local government, Hon. Agber Iorkyaan for Buruku Local Government, Hon. Agber Tavershima Abraham for Gboko Local Government, Hon. Simon Unongo for Guma Local Government, and Hon. Agbo Comfort for Gwer – East Local Government.
Others are Hon. Henry Agba for Gwer-West, Hon. Francis Zanzan for Katsina-ala Local Government, Hon. Philip Achua for Konshisha Local Government, Rev. Mark Teryila Hule for Kwande Local Government, Rev. Jonathan Iorliam Adagbe for Logo Local Government, and Hon. James Dwem for Makurdi Local Government.
Also sworn in were Hon. Okoh Joseph for Ogbadibo Local Government, Hon. Samson Okoh for Ohimini Local Government, Hon.Onyilo Douglas Omale for Okpokwu Local Government, Hon. Alfred Oketa Omakwu for Otukpo Local Government, and Hon. Roy Terna Ashirga for Tarka Local Government.
Hon. Alex Avakaa for Ushongo Local Government, Rev. Haanongon Gideon for Ukum local government.
Three local governments, Oju, Agatu and Obi could not be sworn-in because their issues are yet to be resolved.