By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has thrown more light on his recent nullification of all recent recruitment and appointments made by his immediate predecessor, Samuel Ortom, into the state public service.
Governor Alia gave the explanation in his statewide broadcast to mark this year’s Democracy Day, noting the symbolic relevance of the day to his emergence as governor, which he said came “on the wings of democracy”.
He said his government does not take the privilege of his election to serve Benue people for granted. “We see our mandate as an opportunity to right the wrongs, to rekindle hope in the electorate that a better Benue is possible and indeed at hand.”
The Catholic priest paid tributes to the icon of democracy, the late Chief Abiola, and assured that his administration would not be a government for any particular party, any ethnic group or any religion, stressing that every Benue resident would be always treated fairly, with respect and decorum.
Using the occasion to justify some of the actions he has taken recently, particularly the nullification of his predecessor’s recent recruitment and appointments at the cusp of his tenure, Rev. Fr. Alia said: “Again, as we mark Democracy Day in Benue State, we owe you all explanations about the few key decisions we have taken so far. On the issue of recruitments/appointments, we noted that it was full of irregularities. Specifically; the Civil Service Secretariat through the outgone administration recruited 2,194 persons.
“The State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) employed 3,028 against the approved number of 2,500 only while replacements made were 5,000. Teaching Service Board (TSB) employed 2,500, that is, for Grant-in-Aid Schools, four in number, 120 Teachers. Replacements were 2,484. In the entire exercise, due process was not adopted.
“In addition, the employment was lopsided in favour of few Local Government Areas and did not take the principle of state character into consideration; also, no budgetary provision was made to cater for the recruitments just as there was no advertisement in any media as required by the provisions of the rules guiding the Service on the matter; and no Interviews were conducted to determine suitability or otherwise of candidates. Above all, the Solicitor-General of the State was not involved at any stage of the recruitment process.”
On the appointment of some Permanent Secretaries, Alia said: “Distinguished Benue sons and daughters, the appointment of persons to the post of Permanent Secretaries from January, 2023 to May, 2023 was reversed for the following reasons: i. Since the appointments were politically motivated, the Due Process required was not observed; ii. The eventual postings of the appointed Permanent Secretaries were mainly for cover up; iii. In making the appointments, the State Character Principle was not observed.
“In view of all the above, the hard decisions we are taking are for the common good. We have no room for witch hunt in our Government. But we will not shy away from taking those decisions that may look harsh but have become the foundations on which to build the peaceful and prosperous Benue of our dreams.”
While soliciting for patience and understanding, the governor assured that everything is being done to assuage the suffering that has been engendered over time as he also noted that as from June 25, 2023, workers would begin to get alerts for salary payment. He however di not say if the alerts would be of cumulative payment of arrears of the several months owed.
“Good people of Benue, we are aware of the sufferings and hardships of our people especially Civil Servants and retirees due to non-payment of their Salaries, Pensions and Gratuities. We call for your patience and understanding as we are working hard to address these problems. Indeed, as from 25th of this month, Civil Servants should start expecting alerts for their payments.
“Similarly, I call on all Benue people not to despair but to keep hope alive because a new Benue is possible not through any other means but with all hands being on deck. We will not appreciate you enough so far for your prayers, support and cooperation.”
Read full Democracy Day address here.
