September 29, (THEWILL) — The plight of the Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State is on the high side as eight international non-governmental organisations, which left as a result of non-commitment to terms of agreement by the past administration are back to the state.
The Director General, Bureau of International Cooperation and Development, Dr Aondoaseer Leo Viashima, also noted that Benue State has registered 38 new NGOs through the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), which are working in line with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s seven points agenda.
The Director General, who was playing host to members of the Correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ in Makurdi on Monday, explained that Benue was blacklisted for twenty four years before the advent of the present Alia administration that restored confidence in the system.
According to him, BCID is playing mediatory role between International Cooperations and Ministries and Parastatals in the state to ensure compliance such that no party is shortchanged in the course of operations.
He explained that the presence of the United Nations (UN), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and other high profile Organisations in Benue State have stimulated internal revenue as hotels are now fully booked as a result of frequent visitors.
The BICD Director General further stated that it is within the rights of Internally Displaced Persons to opt to voluntarily return to their ancestral homes without government compelling them to do so.
“In the circumstance, Benue State won’t return one IDP to his or her ancestral home until the mandatory National IDP Policy is signed into law”, Viashima stated.
He maintained that there is a high level collaboration with international actors before returning of IDPs, saying 300 hectares of land have been acquired for IDP demonstration farm to earn a living.
Doctor Viashima, therefore, commended governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of IDPs without paying lips services as was the case in the past where projects carried out by international bodies were claimed as state projects.
He thanked members of the chapel for the visit and accurate reportage of events in the state, especially the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development.
Earlier, Chairman of the chapel, Comrade Emmanuel Antswen, assured that members will not renege on their statutory responsibility of holding public office holders accountable in the course of duty.
He called on the Director General to keep his doors open for scrutiny and to avail journalists the right to access correct information for members of the public.
