Outrage over lopsided appointments in Benue

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has been called upon to as a matter of urgency, reverse the ugly trend of nepotism and favouritism in the management of the State affairs.

The calls come in a wide outrage following the lopsided appointments of Advisers on Monday.

Fr Alia had through his Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the appointment of 29 Special Advisers with only two slots going to the largely Idoma and Igede speaking Benue South Senatorial District.

Critics say the administration may be headed for more troubled waters following the continuous downward rating in performance as many have criticized him over what they termed as nepotism in managing the affairs of the state.

A social media influencer and political analyst, Enenche Enenche who took to his page wondered what his Deputy, Sam Ode may be going through in Fr. Alia’s hand.

“Only a delusional mind will play tribal politics with his media. Who is advising him? He is fighting Akume on one hand, and increasing the frontline of his battle to Zone C.

“Benue has a deep-rooted history of tribalism and ethno-political tendencies, but when a “Catholic Priest”, who has refused the wife of the Deputy Governor to act as First Lady, but sends someone else to “interface” with the state at the wives of Nigerian Governors Forum, then rubbing this trash on the faces of a people where he won all the local governments except Agatu, is the height of ingratitude and calls for concerns.”

“I told you politicians are the same, ignore the package they approach you in during election. “YES FATHER INDEED”!” He added.

Another stakeholder, Che Rex in a swift reaction said: “This is not right..and everybody is keeping quiet for enlightened self interest… this is stone age marginalization that is not found anywhere in the Bible and Koran…the Gov should make amends immediately.

Another respondent from the Tiv speaking part of the state who spoke on the condition of anonymity also outlined his disappointment over the lopsided appointments at a time the youth are working closely to unite themselves for the state to move forward. He emphasized on the replication of some of the positions which he described as insensitive.

It is rumoured that Father Alia is at war with his political benefactor who is currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Dr George Akume as he has constantly ignored and marginalized those loyal to him.

The appointees are as follows;

1. Comrade Angula Bishop Reuben – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on ICT & New Media
2. Uzaan Lubem Isaac – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media & Content Creation
3. Donald Kumun – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Print Media
4. Bridget Tikyaa Ikyado – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media & Publicity/ Strategic Communications
5. Ferdinand Shinyi – Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media & Strategic Communications
6. Asortar James Asortar – Special Assistant on Social Media
7. Igbatar Jerry – Special Assistant on Digital Media
8. Ahoho Terungwa – Special Assistant on Broadcast Media
9. Lanshima Ephraim – Special Assistant on Visual Communication (Photographer)
10. Raphael Ajav – Personal Assistant on Videography
11. Wizzy Curtis Wisdom – Personal Assistant on Photography

Also, portfolios for Special Advisers have been released as follows:
1. Hon. Alex Addingi – International Investment
2. Hon. Fidelis Unongo – Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs
3. Hon. Iyoo Igbondo Jonathan – Unions & Labour Relations
4. Inyamkume Msendoo Mercy – Water Resources & Environment
5. Hon. Akombo Benedict – Business, SMEs & Microfinance
6. Tyodoo Gaeren Nyitar – Pension Matters
7. Anjembe Bemgba Christian – Agriculture & Climate Change
8. Dr. Akura Dennis – Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs
9. Lahave Jonathan Mkumburga – Legislative Matters
10. Shizun Sunday – Sanitation
11. Matthias Iorpine Antor – Lands & Survey
12. Scholastica Terngu Bem-Sor – Women Affairs
13. Arc. Eric Adokwu – Rural & Urban Development
14. Engr. Prof. Agber Jonathan – Power & Renewable Energy
15. Elizabeth Idoko-Okogun – Youths & Sports Development
16. Dr. Mkor Aondona Donatus – Research, Documentation & Strategy
17. Akaager Imoter Isaac – LGA Market Coordination & Monitoring I
18. Jonathan Gyuse – Poverty Alleviation & Youth Empowerment