Paragraph 1: Executive Council Dissolved
In a significant political development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia dissolved the State Executive Council (SEC) on Wednesday. The announcement, conveyed through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, marked the end of the council members’ two-year tenure. The dissolution took place at the conclusion of the 12th SEC meeting of 2025, where Governor Alia informed the commissioners of his decision. He directed them to handover their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries promptly. This unexpected move signals a potential shift in the governor’s administrative strategy and raises questions about the future direction of governance in Benue State.
Paragraph 2: Governor’s Appreciation and Justification
Governor Alia expressed his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their service over the past two years. Acknowledging their contributions to the state’s development, he encouraged those who might not be reappointed to remain active within the party. He framed the dissolution not as a dismissal but as an opportunity for other citizens to contribute their expertise and experience to the government. This inclusive message aims to maintain party unity and portray the changes as a natural progression rather than a punitive measure. The governor’s emphasis on a broad-based approach to governance suggests a desire to tap into a wider pool of talent within the state.
Paragraph 3: Appointment of New Chief of Staff
Concurrent with the dissolution of the SEC, Governor Alia appointed Moses Atagher as the new Chief of Staff, replacing Paul Biam. Atagher, a seasoned legal practitioner, brings significant administrative experience to the role. His previous positions include two terms as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State, and Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank. This appointment indicates a strategic move by the governor to strengthen his core team with individuals possessing a proven track record in legal affairs and public administration.
Paragraph 4: Outgoing Commissioners’ Response
The dissolved commissioners, represented by the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Bemsen Mnyim, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve the state. Mnyim characterized their time in office as a learning experience, emphasizing the valuable insights gained while working alongside the governor. This gracious response suggests a level of acceptance of the governor’s decision and helps maintain a semblance of unity within the political landscape.
Paragraph 5: Analysis and Speculation
The dissolution of the SEC and the appointment of a new Chief of Staff are likely to generate significant discussion and speculation within Benue State. Observers will be keen to analyze the potential motivations behind these changes. Some might interpret the move as a strategic realignment of the governor’s team in preparation for future political endeavors. Others may focus on the possibility of bringing in fresh perspectives and expertise to address specific challenges facing the state. The composition of the new executive council will be closely scrutinized for clues about the governor’s priorities and future direction.
Paragraph 6: The Road Ahead
The political landscape in Benue State is poised for a period of transition as the governor assembles a new executive team. The appointments to the reconstituted SEC will be closely watched, as they will offer insights into the governor’s vision for the remainder of his term. The effectiveness of the new team in addressing the state’s challenges will ultimately determine the success of this reshuffle. The coming months will be crucial in assessing the impact of these changes on the governance and development of Benue State.
