Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has forwarded the first batch of commissioner-nominees to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and subsequent confirmation.
This move comes as part of a broader administrative overhaul aimed at repositioning governance in the state.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, disclosed this development in an official statement issued on Friday in Makurdi. He explained that the submission of nominees to the legislative arm is in full compliance with constitutional provisions guiding the formation of the State Executive Council.
This latest action follows the dissolution of the former cabinet earlier in the week. On Wednesday, at the conclusion of the 12th Executive Council Meeting for the year 2025, Governor Alia formally announced the dismissal of all 17 serving commissioners, as well as the Chief of Staff. The meeting was held at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital.
In the wake of the cabinet shake-up, the governor has wasted no time in making new appointments. Notably, Barrister Moses Atagher has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff to the Government House.
A seasoned legal practitioner and veteran administrator, Atagher brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served two terms as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State and also held the position of Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. His appointment is with immediate effect.
As for the commissioner-nominees, Mr. Kula listed the following individuals as part of the first batch submitted to the House of Assembly:
- Theresa Odachi
- Dr. Benjamin Ashaver
- Dr. Margaret Adamu
- Dr. Peter Oboh
- Dr. Timothy Yangien
- Mr. Denis Iyaighgba
- Mr. James Dwem
- Dr. Paul Ogwuche
Kula further revealed that a second list of nominees is expected to be transmitted to the Assembly in the coming days, as the process of forming a new executive council continues.
Emphasizing the rationale behind the governor’s decisions, the Chief Press Secretary reiterated that Governor Alia remains firmly committed to principles of transparency, competence, and inclusivity.
According to him, the administration is determined to bring on board individuals with the requisite integrity and capacity to effectively implement the government’s vision for development, accountability, and good governance in Benue State.