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Join for News Updates ✕2027: ATD Accuses Alia of Plan to Appoint 1,500 Political thugs in Benue
Tags: 2027 Elections, ATD, Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, Jerome Zoho, Political Appointments, Politics
Group urges Benue governor to prioritise security, salaries, pensions and development over political appointment
By Our Correspondent, Makurdi
The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has raised concerns over an alleged plan by the Benue State Government to appoint about 1,500 individuals as Special Assistants across the state’s 23 local government areas ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Jerome Zoho, claimed that each local government could produce approximately 65 of the proposed political appointees.
https://voxnews.com.ng/alia-cannot-rewrite-history-on-ihyarev-ortom-aide/
According to the organisation, the alleged plan is coming at a time when Benue State is facing serious challenges, including insecurity, salary and pension arrears, unemployment, poverty and inadequate infrastructure.
ATD described the reported proposal as a misplaced priority, arguing that government resources should instead be directed towards addressing issues affecting the welfare of residents.
The group questioned the developmental impact of billions of naira reportedly accruing to the state’s local governments, asking stakeholders to identify concrete investments in healthcare, education, rural roads, agriculture, water supply and security.
The organisation also alleged that the proposed political aides could be used to advance Governor Hyacinth Alia’s 2027 political interests and intimidate political opponents.
However, the allegations contained in the statement could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report. No official government document confirming the reported appointment plan was provided by the group.
ATD called on Governor Alia to reconsider the alleged plan and channel available resources towards clearing salary and pension obligations, strengthening security and implementing projects with direct benefits to residents.
“Benue State does not need 1,500 additional special assistants. Benue State needs security. Benue State needs development,” Zoho said.
The group maintained that the welfare of citizens should remain the priority of government as the state approaches the 2027 political season.