Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for unity among the people of Benue State while expressing concerns over an essay by renowned scholar Iyorwuese Hagher titled “Nigeria’s Fellowship Crisis: Why Bad Leadership Thrives in Benue.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi, the governor described the essay as incomplete for failing to adequately address the issue of insecurity in the state.

Governor Alia noted that while the essay highlighted what it termed a “fellowship crisis” and leadership challenges in Benue over the years, it did not sufficiently capture the persistent insecurity caused by attacks on farming communities. He stressed that the omission of such a critical issue undermines the overall argument presented in the piece.

The governor expressed dismay over what he described as a deliberate exclusion of the recurring clashes between armed herders and farmers, which have led to loss of lives and destruction of property across the state.

According to the statement, insecurity remains a major obstacle to development in Benue and has persisted for years. The governor maintained that any meaningful analysis of the state’s challenges must take this reality into account.

While acknowledging that the essay raised some valid points, Alia argued that its failure to incorporate key elements—particularly the security situation—renders its conclusions inadequate. He also faulted what he perceived as a narrow focus on his administration without sufficient consideration of previous governments.

The governor further stated that he was surprised by the tone of the critique, noting that his administration should have been given a fair opportunity to present its efforts and policies before being judged.

Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, Alia emphasized that his administration is focused on fostering unity and rebuilding trust among the people. He said the government remains dedicated to creating a system where both leaders and citizens work together as one indivisible entity for the progress of the state.