Vested interests resisting our reforms, says Benue gov

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that his administration is encountering resistance from influential interests that benefit from the existing status quo as they implement reforms and infrastructure projects across the state. Alia emphasized that this resistance has led to the development of a 30-year master development plan to ensure that reforms continue beyond his tenure and are not affected by leadership changes.

During a media parley at the Government House in Makurdi, Alia highlighted how his administration has faced skepticism from opponents who argue that infrastructure investment would not provide tangible benefits to ordinary citizens. He noted that Benue State has lacked a development master plan for the past 50 years, and previous administrations focused on constituents' wants rather than a disciplined assessment of developmental needs.

Alia drew parallels between Benue and Lagos State, citing Lagos' transformative master plan under President Bola Tinubu as inspiration for his confidence in long-range planning. He pointed out that once foundational sectors like roads, primary healthcare, and basic education are fixed, subsequent administrations would be better positioned to build upon this solid ground.

Alia also addressed concerns about the sustainability of newly completed projects, such as the Taraku Mills factory and the Oju-Awajir road, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and a planning architecture that gives communities and investors a direct stake in project sustainability.