Benue state governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday dissolved the State Executive Council, sacking all commissioners in what observers say could be part of a renewed political standoff with his former political mentor and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists in Makurdi. According to Kula, Governor Alia informed members of the council of the dissolution after the 12th Executive Council meeting of 2025.
The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries without delay.
Expressing gratitude for their service, Governor Alia commended the commissioners for their contributions over the past two years. He urged those who may not return to government to remain loyal party members, noting that the reshuffle provides an opportunity for other citizens to contribute to the state’s development.
In a related development, the governor appointed Mr. Moses Atagher, a seasoned legal practitioner, as the new Chief of Staff, replacing Mr. Paul Biam. Atagher previously served two terms as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state and was also the acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
Reacting to the dissolution, the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Bemsen Mnyim, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.
“Every place you’re called to serve is a learning ground. We have gained a lot during our time in office,” Mnyim said.
However, GWG.ng reports that political analysts have linked the cabinet shake-up to Governor Alia’s ongoing political friction with Akume. According to a source familiar with the matter, the decision was not necessarily targeted at Akume loyalists, noting that the governor had sidelined the SGF during the initial formation of his cabinet.
“He started fighting Akume even before constituting his cabinet,” the source claimed, further deepening speculation about the motives behind the governor’s sweeping decision,” the source said.
