The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, 22nd January 2024, conducted an unannounced visit to the state secretariat, during which he discovered that only a small number of civil servants were present.
This visit coincided with ongoing renovation efforts, including the installation of new lighting.
Upon the governor's arrival at approximately 10:35 a.m., security personnel secured the gates, resulting in numerous civil servants being unable to enter the premises. As he toured various ministries, the governor expressed his disappointment regarding the absence of several commissioners and senior officials.
While exiting the secretariat, the governor addressed a gathering of employees at the gate, articulating his concerns regarding their inadequate commitment to their responsibilities.
He said, “With what you are doing, you are creating a vicious circle for your families. You cannot get money and be uplifted because you are cheats and because of the effect of what you are doing.
“The work I do is not for me, but for those who don’t know that I am the governor and those who will see me and not recognise me.
“I’m appealing to you because I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you as I have the power to do so. I am speaking to you as a priest and not as governor and telling you the dangers of what you are doing.”
He concluded, “It is not about me, who is the government? All of you here are the government. Even in the family, somebody governs the home and there are rules. And in every government there are rules. I am not frustrated but I do not want you to be doomed.
“See what you can do if not for yourselves but for the people you are caring for and are behind you because they are the ones to take the heat.”