ABUJA — A supporter of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tagher Tagher Wan U Tiv, popularly known as Baba Atsar Gundu, has defended the governor’s development approach, saying the administration is prioritising long-term economic empowerment over dependence on palliatives.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Tagher said Governor Alia’s philosophy was centred on creating sustainable livelihoods by investing in agriculture, infrastructure and skills development.
According to him, the state government is providing tractors, farm implements and support for farmers, while also implementing skills acquisition programmes for youths and women to enhance productivity and self-reliance.
He added that the administration was constructing roads to improve the transportation of farm produce from rural communities to markets.
Tagher argued that such initiatives, though less visible on social media than the distribution of relief materials, would have a more lasting impact on the state’s economy.
He contrasted what he described as Alia’s development-focused strategy with the approach of unnamed Abuja-based politicians, whom he alleged were concentrating on distributing palliatives and engaging in political struggles over party structures.
According to him, while palliatives may provide temporary relief during difficult times, they cannot replace policies aimed at addressing the underlying causes of poverty and unemployment.
Tagher maintained that Governor Alia believes empowering people to become economically self-sufficient would reduce dependence on government assistance and promote sustainable development.
He said Benue residents should support policies that create lasting opportunities, stressing that investments in agriculture, infrastructure and human capital would ultimately benefit more people than short-term relief measures.
The statement also called on the public to distinguish between temporary interventions and long-term development strategies as the state pursues economic growth and improved livelihoods.
