‘I can only borrow to fund critical projects, if need be – Gov Alia

From Attah Ede Makurdi

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has said his administration can only borrow money to fund critical projects if need be and could be in the interest of the Benue people.

He maintained that he has not borrowed any any money since he was sworn into office on May 29, 2023, saying that people must stop misinforming the public about the activities of his administration

Governor Alia who was reacting to a news publication, which alleged that 13 new state governors, including Benue, collectively borrowed N226.8bn from both domestic and external financiers, between the period of June and December, 2023, said he has borrow money from anywhere, since he assumed office as governor.

Governor Alia, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kulas Tersoo in a statement said: “We want to state emphatically that, the government of Rev.Fr. Alia has not borrowed any money from either Domestic or External sources.

“All debts mentioned in the said report were incurred before May 29, 2023, and not after Governor Hyacinth Alia led administration took over office.

“Let it be known that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia is skeptical of borrowings, and will only do so when and if it becomes necessary and it is in the interest of the Benue people, especially to fund critical projects.

“We challenge the newspaper reporter to be more investigative in his reports, providing accurate facts, which is a key component of journalism practice.” he stated.