Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that the state, once overwhelmed by insecurity and mismanagement, is now on a path to healing under his leadership.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Alia reflected on his transition from Catholic priesthood to politics, his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity, and his unique approach to fiscal discipline.

As he marks 35 years in the priesthood this July, Alia revealed that his decision to enter politics stemmed from a deep understanding of the challenges facing Benue.

“I’ve spent my life serving the people of Benue in the suburbs, understanding their struggles. It wasn’t difficult for me to transition because I was already working to fix problems as a priest,” he said.

Alia said his transition into politics was driven by an urgent desire to bring change. “As a priest, you spend your time supporting people, solving environmental and family problems. Politics was just an extension of that, although with the added responsibility of navigating a complex political environment,” he added.

On the issue of insecurity, the governor delved into the historical context, explaining that Benue’s security challenges are linked to broader regional dynamics. He noted that Benue, like other parts of Nigeria, is facing a deepening crisis caused by the ECOWAS transhumance protocol, which allowed for cross-border grazing.

“When we were growing up, there were no issues with herders. But after the ECOWAS protocol was adopted, things drastically changed,” he explained.

Alia disclosed that as of June 2024, about 500,000 people from 17 of the state’s 23 local governments were displaced due to violence.

“Our people are primarily farmers, but we’ve seen the land grab that accompanies these attacks. This is no longer pastoralism – it is a calculated destabilization,” he said.

He also emphasized that despite the challenges, his government is working to tackle displacement through a three-pronged solution: temporary shelter, integration, and relocation back to ancestral lands.

Alia urged the Federal Government to reconsider Nigeria’s participation in the ECOWAS protocol, calling for a review of the policy that has contributed to insecurity. “If the Federal Government revisits this protocol, it could make a huge difference. We need to fix our internal security first,” he said.

In addressing the state’s finances, Governor Alia revealed his commitment to fiscal transparency, pointing to the consistent payment of salaries on the 25th of each month.

“Before I came in, civil servants and pensioners went without their pay. I inherited N359 billion in debt, but we found a way to make sure workers get their pay on time,” he said, adding that he had implemented a new standard where salaries are paid even on public holidays or weekends.

Despite facing criticism from some quarters, particularly among the political elite, Alia stood firm in his belief that timely salary payments were a necessary reform. “People used to take the fish without learning to fish. Now, they’re learning to be self-reliant, and it’s creating some enemies,” he said.

The governor also reflected on his relationships with the judiciary and his political party, stressing that his administration is committed to transparency and the rule of law. “There have been no issues with the judiciary. We followed due process with the NJC, and any disputes were addressed professionally,” Alia explained.

As he looks towards the future, the governor expressed confidence that his administration’s approach to governance will continue to transform Benue. “It’s about proper planning, strategy, and execution. We’ve brought a new thinking to Benue, and the people are beginning to see the difference,” he concluded.