Gov Alia swears in 17 Commissioners, says no plan to replace deputy in 2027

Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor,  Hyacinth Alia, on Monday sworn in the newly appointed 17 Commissioners, vowed  to sack anyone that would perform below  expectations of his administration and that of people of the state.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office on the new commissioners , the Governor  stated that the appointees are expected to commence work immediately and be ready to  bring their wealth of experience to bear for the overall development of the State.

He warned  them to shun corruption and consider accountability and transparency as their watchwords. 

Governor Alia further enjoined them to strive to project and promote the principle of State policies as contained in the constitution as well as do right to all manner of people according to law.

He said they were chosen because they are professionals who understand governance, transparency and discipline.

Alia challenged them to work assiduously for the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2027 election. 

He said, “The Journey ahead is even longer. You understand the vision and mission of this administration which should be fully executed. Open your doors to everyone and share what you have with them. 

“Work for APC victory in 2027. Be administrators and politicians. Spend most of your time with your people. If by chance, you feel there is no money to give to your people, resign. 

“Tell the people what we are doing and how much is spent by the government. Be the spokesperson for this government .Do take the oath of your offices very seriously. You must join hands to fight insecurity in the State. 

“Our administration is one that cares and wants Benue to grow. We have a lot of tasks ahead. My administration is people-oriented and not individual-oriented. Remain loyal to the government. Consider transparency and accountability. 

“You must be seen visibly working at the grassroot. Leave a huge mark, give your all and be the best you can be for the state”, Alia stated.

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The governor in July sacked the 17 commissioners and later  nominated a few of them for possible reappointment.

Those reappointed are include; Tiza Imojime former Commissioners for Works, Yanmar Ortese former Commissioners for Health and Human Resources, Rev. Frederick Lanshima Ikyaan, former Commissioner for Education, Ugwu Odoh, former Commissioner for Water Resources, Kwaghgba Amande, Former for Digital Communications,  

Aondowase Kunde, erstwhile Commissioner for Disaster Management, Michael Oglegba, former Commissioner for Finance and Alumo Orpin, former Commissioners for Commerce, Trade and Investment. 

The new one are Dennis Ter Iyaghigba, Ogwuche Ejeh Paul, Yangien Ornguga, Peter Obo Egbodo, James Dwem, Joseph Jir, Mrs Margaret Adamu, Mrs Theresa Odachi Ikwue and Benjamin Teryima Ashaver.

The secretary to the Benue State Government, Deaconess Deborah Aber, is expected to assign portfolios to the commissioners on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia  has stated emphatically that he has no intention to replace his deputy, Sam Odeh as there is no vacancy for the Deputy Governor’s seat in 2027.

Before  now, there has been widespread speculation that the Governor may replace his Deputy Governor Sam Ode in 2027.

However, speaking at the swearing in of new Commissioners at the old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi on Monday, Governor Alia stated loudly that he is and has never contemplated getting a new Deputy, maintaining that the incumbent (Ode) is capable. 

Said he, “There is no vacancy for any Deputy Governor in 2027. I have a Deputy Governor who understands governance. Who is people oriented. He is always with the people and for the people One who is very cerebral.

“For anyone thinking otherwise I do not know. My Deputy is very capable. He has all the capacity it takes to perform his functions. He understands what is good for Benue and that is what he is doing exactly. 

” So if anybody is eating and dreaming, there is no vacancy. I love him, I enjoy working with him. I enjoy a personal relationship, so for a those wishing  the negativity, they won’t have their way”