Daniel Onjeh has strongly dismissed claims by Senator Abba Moro. Moro alleged that Governor Hyacinth Alia hates the Idoma people. Onjeh was the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate.

Onjeh argued that Governor Alia shows great inclusion and commitment. He also demonstrates genuine affection for Benue South residents. Alia has achieved more in just two years. This surpasses what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accomplished in 16 years.

“Ill-Informed and Malicious” Claims Debunked

In a statement, Onjeh described Moro’s comments as “ill-informed and malicious.” He called them “deliberate misinformation.” Such statements aim to mislead the public. They also incite unnecessary ethnic sentiment.

Onjeh previously chaired the Project Development Institute (PRODA). He stated that facts contradict Moro’s allegations. “Governor Alia shows greater inclusion and commitment,” Onjeh affirmed. “He has genuine affection for the Benue South people. This is evident in two years, far more than PDP administrations did in sixteen years.”

Alia’s Inclusivity and Key Appointments

Onjeh pointed to key ministries now led by competent Benue South indigenes. These include Finance, Education, Water Resources, and Information. Women Affairs and the Office of the Head of Service are also covered. “No leader who hates a people,” Onjeh asserted, “would entrust them with such vital state positions.”

Transformative Development Projects in Benue South

Onjeh listed ongoing interventions across Benue South. These include rehabilitations of Oju Achoho Road and Igumale Agila Road. The Otobi water works is also undergoing rehabilitation. Major road projects are also underway. These include Oju Awajir (52 km) and Obagaji Okokolo Agagbe (43.5 km). Igumale Agila (31.2 km) is another significant project.

Furthermore, the Aliade Mbakine Obarike Ito road project is planned. This 36 km road will open up areas with vast agricultural potential. It forms part of Governor Alia’s extensive development blueprint for Benue South.

Policies Benefiting Ordinary Households

Governor Alia’s policies directly benefit the poorest residents, Onjeh emphasized. “Payment of unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions has had an immediate positive effect,” Onjeh stated. These payments boosted ordinary households. They injected disposable income into the local economy. This also strengthened small businesses.