By Uji Aba

In the annals of Benue State, a transformative chapter is being written. Since the creation of the state, the mantle of visionary, impactful leadership has been notably worn by two individuals: the late Governor Aper Aku and the current incumbent, Rev Fr Chief Dr.

Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Governor Aku, the first executive governor of the state, laid an indelible foundation with pioneering economic projects like the Benue Brewery (producer of More Beer), the Taraku Mills, and monumental infrastructure including the Aper Aku Stadium, the Benue Modern Market, and the iconic State Secretariat—an architectural marvel and administrative nerve center so strategically built with underground facilities to ensure seamless governance continuity even in the most challenging times.

Today, that legacy of foundational development has found a worthy successor in Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose first term has ignited a developmental resurgence of historic proportions. Building on the Aku blueprint with a 21st-century vision, Governor Alia has launched strategic economic projects designed for self-sufficiency, job creation, and wealth retention. Understanding that Benue State ranks among the highest consumers of alcohol in the nation, his administration strategically revived and rebranded the state’s brewery as Ziva Beer. This move ensures that millions previously spent outside the state are retained internally, boosting the local economy and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Further amplifying his agricultural revolution, the Governor’s establishment of a modern Fruit Juice Processing Factory has been a game-changer for Benue farmers. No longer compelled to transport perishable produce across vast distances—often leading to significant post-harvest waste—farmers now have a ready, profitable market at home. This initiative has stabilized incomes, reduced waste, and positioned Benue as a hub for processed agricultural exports.

In infrastructural development, Governor Alia is reshaping the state’s landscape. The construction of the Makurdi and Gboko flyovers and underpasses—the first of their kind in the state—is easing chronic traffic congestion, modernizing urban transit, and stimulating economic activity along new corridors. This is complemented by an aggressive road construction program and the installation of solar-powered street lights across major towns, enhancing security, enabling night-time commerce, and restoring a sense of civic pride. The socio-economic impact is palpable: reduced transportation costs, increased property values, safer communities, and a vibrant night economy.

The Governor’s achievements have fostered an unprecedented political consensus. Demonstrating the priestly virtues of reconciliation and forgiveness central to his vocation, Rev Fr Alia has successfully reconciled with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency Sen. Dr. George Akume. A distinguished Catholic Knight, Senator Akume, in a display of Christian maturity and statesmanship, has publicly extended an olive branch, acknowledging the Governor’s sterling performance. This healing was graciously midwifed by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who, quoting Martin Luther King Jr., admonished that “.: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools ” emphasizing that any conflict between the two would only hurt Benue.

This reconciliation reached a symbolic climax at the wedding of the SGF’s son, where the united front sent a clear message to all: the 2027 APC governorship ticket is not for contest. With the position was wisely zoned to Jerchira. Those contenders from Kwande, should kiss the ticket goodbye as Kwande which has already received a fair share via the Zoning of Zone A Senatorial seat to Kwande. The Vice President and the SGF have unequivocally endorsed Rev Fr Chief Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia as the sole candidate and standard-bearer of the APC for 2027. Senator Akume’s virtue shines through here; a leader who, over 25 years, has consistently forgiven even those who sought to retire him from politics, turning former adversaries into allies.

With peace restored to Benue politics and the increasing national conversation about zoning the 2031 presidency to the North Central—a zone uniquely yet to produce a President or Vice President since 1999—Senator George Akume, through his strategic national networks and this renewed unity, is being positioned as a potential successor to President Bola Tinubu. This is not just a Benue bargain but a national imperative for equity. Senator George Akume has ticked all boxes but one and is over qualified to occupy the apex seat in Nigeria, as soon as this last box is ticked, only then will the Nigerian political space be his for the taking. This pending box will be highlighted and discussed in our next article, as this one is strictly dedicated to the divine hand of God that has set up all these events in motion for Rev Fr Chief Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia to win his second term election unopposed.

Beyond the political

arena, the custodian of Tiv tradition, His Royal Highness, Professor James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv V and paramount ruler of the Tiv nation worldwide, has bestowed upon Governor Alia the sacred title of “Asor Tar u Tiv” (The Repairer of the Tiv Nation). This rare honor from the conservative and revered traditional institution—representing the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria—signifies the Governor as a bringer of sustainable development and a rejuvenator of the land. This blessing has essentially sealed the political fate for 2027, transforming any potential opposition into merely making up the numbers.

The “Yes Fada” movement has evolved into a statewide phenomenon, with some expressing their unwavering support through slogans like “No Alia, No Benue, The Divine mandate movement also stands out as a formidable group projecting and promoting the 2027 cause. This grassroots adoration stems from tangible results by the Governor Hyacinth Alia, demystifying the myth of state bankruptcy promoted by previous administrations. Governor Alia has cleared all salary and pension arrears, increasing pay above the national minimum wage, achieving this without borrowing, and aggressively paying down inherited debt. His 2027 budget reflects a deep understanding of developmental economics, prioritizing capital expenditure over recurrent spending.

Through stringent fiscal governance, he has blocked revenue leakages and increased Internally Generated Revenue to over N12.3 billion in the First quarter of 2025. Looking ahead, Governor Alia is set to place Benue on the global economic map with plans for an Economic Free Trade Zone and a dedicated Cargo Airport positioned opposite it. This will directly solve the challenge of exporting perishable agricultural goods worldwide. Furthermore, plans are advanced for a Benue Cement Factory via Public-Private Partnership, aiming to reclaim what was lost to external industrial giants.

This symphony of achievement, political harmony, and royal blessing paints the picture of a state reborn.

Indeed, who God has blessed, no man can curse. The voice of the people, echoed by the throne and endorsed by political titans, is clear: Rev Fr Chief Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s transformative leadership is the divine answer to Benue’s long-held prayers. The 2027 endorsement is not just political; it is a coronation of progress.

Uji Aba writes from Makurdi, the Benue State Capital as a public affairs analyst.