September 04, (THEWILL) — Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has warned that the retention of commissioners in his newly reconstituted cabinet will depend strictly on performance.
The governor issued the directive on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the State Executive Council in Makurdi.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, said the Council also deliberated on the controversy surrounding fertilizer contracts in the state.
According to him, a committee uncovered cases where contractors were paid large sums but failed to supply fertilizer and other farm inputs such as knapsack sprayers.
“Council resolved that genuine contractors who executed their jobs satisfactorily will be paid immediately, while those who failed to deliver will not be considered. Individuals who collected money without supplying inputs will be compelled to refund it, while fraudulent cases will be forwarded to the EFCC for prosecution,” Kula said.
On security, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to complement federal efforts by supporting joint operations with necessary incentives. He also directed commissioners to remain proactive, engage their constituencies, and provide feedback on citizens’ needs.
Alia stressed that portfolios may be rotated or withdrawn if expectations are not met.
Kula further disclosed that the governor was recently honoured with an ICT award by Lagos-based media organisation, ITA, for Benue’s rapid progress in digital adoption, ranking second only to Lagos nationwide. The award was received on his behalf by Deputy Governor, Sam Ode.
He described the meeting as fruitful, noting that commissioners expressed readiness to immediately align with the governor’s development agenda.
Those assigned portfolios include Dr. Ortese Yanmar (Cooperative and Rural Development), Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan (Lands), Michael Oglegba (Finance), Tiza Isaac Imojime (Youth, Sports and Creativity), and Alumo Orpin (Industry, Trade and Investment).
Others are Ugwu Odoh (Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change), Kunde Aondowase (Humanitarian and Disaster Management), Kwaghgba Amande (ICT and Digital Economy), Joseph Ter Jir (Power and Renewable Energy), and James Dwem (Science and Technology).
Also on the list are Prof. Ornguga Yangien (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order), Mrs Theresa Odachi Ikwue (Women Affairs), Dr. Benjamin Ashaver (Agriculture and Food Security), Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa (Education and Knowledge Management), Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo (Information and Orientation), Dennis Iyaighgba (Marine and Blue Economy), and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche (Health and Human Services).
