Benue at a Crossroads: APC Aspirant Kuraun Blames Decades of Failed Leadership for State’s Crisis

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, has stated that Benue State is grappling with a deep governance and development crisis resulting from years of weak leadership, economic decline, persistent insecurity, and political marginalization.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, Kuraun noted that despite being created in 1976 with vast agricultural and human resources, the state has failed to achieve lasting prosperity. He acknowledged early military regimes for building foundational institutions but criticized their failure to industrialize agriculture.

He assessed past civilian administrations: George Akume’s era brought stability; Gabriel Suswam’s saw infrastructure growth but also rising debt and alleged mismanagement; Samuel Ortom’s tenure was marked by worsening insecurity.

Regarding Governor Hyacinth Alia’s current administration, Kuraun said initial optimism has faded due to ongoing insecurity, political exclusion, and weak coordination.

He also alleged that many APC stakeholders have been sidelined. On fiscal management, he questioned rising debt and unmet pension obligations despite increased federal allocations. He further lamented the collapse of state-owned industries and sports institutions.

Kuraun also raised concerns over irregularities in the APC primaries, calling on the party’s national leadership to ensure transparency and credibility, stressing that Benue urgently needs competent, inclusive, and reform-driven leadership.