‘I won’t apologise to anyone’: Governor Alia orders appointees to resign

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general election to resign from their positions on or before March 30, 2026.

The directive was made known via a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists on Saturday, March 21.

Alia said the move is necessary to sustain the pace of development across the state, stressing that his administration cannot afford distractions from officials pursuing political ambitions while still in office.

He urged those affected to submit their resignation letters promptly, noting that early exits would allow for timely replacement and ensure continuity in governance.

Reaffirming his commitment to transforming the state, the governor said his focus remains on delivering tangible results to the people of Benue.

Alia stated: “I have started, I am midway, and I am more determined to do more because that was my covenant with the Benue people. I cannot tender apologies to anyone because I am developing Benue.

“My covenant was with the people. My attention is on how to make them happy. How to rewrite the story of the state for good.

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“Therefore, nothing can deter me; nobody can frustrate me to abandon this.”

Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, have been embroiled in a cold war for the control of party structures in Benue State.

At the recent ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, both Alia and Akume conducted parallel ward congresses and announced ward executives in the 33 Local Government Areas of the North-Central state.

Speaking at the PGF-Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in February 2026, Vice President Kashim Shettima appealed to the governor and the SGF to seek peace for the development of Benue State.

The Star