Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia declared that his administration hasn’t borrowed money since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
This is in response to a report alleging that 13 newly appointed state governors, including Benue, collectively acquired N226.8 billion in loans from both domestic and external lenders between June and December 2023.
Governor Alia, represented by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kulas Tersoo, affirmed, “We want to clarify unequivocally that Rev. Fr. Alia’s government has not engaged in any borrowing, whether from domestic or external sources.”
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Tersoo added, “All debts referenced in the report were accrued prior to May 29, 2023, before Governor Hyacinth Alia assumed office.” Asserting the administration’s cautious approach towards borrowing, Tersoo stated, ”
Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s government remains wary of debt and will only consider it if deemed necessary and beneficial to the people of Benue, particularly for vital projects.”
He urged the newspaper reporter to uphold journalistic principles by conducting thorough investigations and presenting accurate facts.