By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has refuted circulating reports that his administration borrowed £25 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to construct 500 kilometers of roads across the state.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the reports were described as untrue, misleading, and a figment of the authors’ imagination. The public was urged to disregard these claims. “The Gov Alia-led administration has not borrowed any money since assuming office on May 29, 2023,” Kula stated.
The Chief Press Secretary clarified that the EIB is not a money-lending agency, but rather supports long-term projects within European nations and, in rare cases, outside the European Union. “The £25 million quoted is not a loan,” Kula emphasized, urging the public to understand that Governor Alia has restored faith in governance and attracted donor agencies and development partners to the state.
Kula noted that Benue is among the states, including Borno, Taraba, Anambra, Cross River, and Edo, listed to benefit from the £25 million.
He further explained that before securing a loan of such magnitude, legal procedures require approval from the legislative arm of the government.
