Alia has not borrowed any money- Benue govt

The government of Benue State has refuted a false allegation claiming that it received a £25 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to build 500 km of new roads throughout the state.

It claimed that the good people of the state should dismiss the stories because they are false, deceptive, and the product of the writers’ imaginations or rumour mongers.

This was said in a statement given on Friday in Makurdi to Governor Sir Tersoo Kula by the Chief Press Secretary.

Hé stated that since taking office on May 29, 2023, the administration headed by Governor Alia has not taken out a loan.

“The European Investment Bank (EIB), which has been cited as having given the state government a loan, is not a financial institution.

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“Only long-term initiatives within the European Union and, under exceptional circumstances, outside of it are funded and supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

“The £25 million mentioned is not a loan. The public, especially those who are misleading the good people of the state, needs to know that in his capacity as governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has restored faith in governance and the confidence of development enthusiasts, drawing development partners and donor organisations to the state.

“Where and when required, his government has also been observably active in paying counterpart funds.”

Sir Kula said, “Therefore, it is not strange that Benue, along with other states like Borno, Taraba, Anambra, Cross River, and Edo, made the list of states pencilled in to enjoy the £25m.”

Furthermore, it is widely understood by all reasonable people that obtaining the approval of the legislative branch of government is a mandatory step before taking out a loan of this kind, regardless of whether it is a bond or a soft loan.

Everyone should be able to observe that Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has not yet felt the need to borrow money from anyone. If necessary, all legal procedures will be followed, and as our government is very transparent, the public will be informed of the reason(s) for any borrowing as well as the amount and purpose of the loan.

“There is no denying that Governor Alia has so far demonstrated responsible and economical resource management.”