From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A group, Young Idoma Professionals (YIP) of Benue State extraction has tasked the State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia to ensure even development across the three senatorial zones in the state.
The group whose members hail from Benue South senatorial zone noted that, that part of the State has been neglected in terms of all round development in the state, and appealed to the governor not to neglect the area
This was expressed in a statement, signed by its convener, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday.
The group while reacting to recent contracts awarded by the state governor, lamented that despite the fact that federal allocations and internally generated revenue from the state should be distributed equitably, it is worrisome that projects publicised are lopsided in the state.
“We are worried that the Benue State Government under His Excellency, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has approved the construction of more intra LGA roads in two councils, without any captured in the Benue South Senatorial District.
“This calls for concerns, as all parts of the state should be given equal treatment, or equity should be adopted in projects execution.
“While we charge the State government to ensure that projects are distributed equitably, we want to commend Governor Alia for prompt payment of salaries, as well as the massive infrastructural projects in the state capital”. The statement said.
It would be recalled that last week, Governor Alia approved the construction of two major roads in Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas of the state, both in the Tiv speaking part of the state.
“The governor’s approval, followed a request by the former Senator representing Benue North East, Chief Barnabas Gemade, during the Thanksgiving Mass/reception organized in his honour by Ityõ I Jechira in Konshisha Local Government Area.
“We gathered that the two deplorable roads earmarked for construction are Vandeikya-Korinya- Tse-Agberagba-Gungul-Awajir and Ge-Ikyobo-Agbeede-Anshagba-Iber roads.
“The governor also enumerated his achievements in roads construction, solar light installation, prompt payment of salaries among others in less than one year in office.
“We believe that governor Alia’s administration will do all it takes to sustain payment of salaries, pensions, payment of salary arrears and clearing up of debts that have been owed by the previous administration”. The statement added.