By Deborah Adekaa
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has charged seven newly sworn-in commissioners to make accountability, cooperation and people-centred governance the focus of their tenure.
Governor Alia gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
He said their appointments came with the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state, stressing that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve rather than a privilege for personal benefit.
The Governor urged the new commissioners to place the interests of Benue residents above personal and sectional considerations, reminding them that public positions are temporary but the impact of their service could endure.
“Let me equally remind you that public office is temporary, but the legacies you create through your service can endure for generations,” he said.
Alia also urged the commissioners to maintain regular contact with residents, listen to their concerns and visit communities to gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges confronting the people.
He noted that effective governance required officials to move beyond their offices and engage directly with citizens whose interests they were appointed to serve.
The Governor further emphasised the importance of collaboration among ministries, particularly where their responsibilities overlap.
“I expect you to communicate, cooperate and share ideas. Where one ministry needs the support of another, provide it. Where responsibilities overlap, work together,” he said.
He assured the commissioners of his administration’s support and urged them to work collectively to make the impact of government more visible in the daily lives of Benue residents.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo thanked Governor Alia for the confidence reposed in them.
Eworo pledged that the commissioners would discharge their responsibilities diligently while upholding fairness, accountability and commitment to the service of the state.
The commissioners sworn in were Hon. Kuma Aii Yenge, Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna, Hon. Angwa Egbe Monday, Hon. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi, Hon. Solomon Iorpev, Hon. Nick Eworo and Hon. Ankwa Amo.
Also at the ceremony, Governor Alia swore in Hon. Godwin Anya as a member of the Assembly Service Commission.
He further inaugurated the Chairman of Benue Television, Rev. Fr. Patrick Tor Alumuku, alongside members of the board of the state-owned television station