Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the Benue State Executive Council, ending the tenure of all commissioners who had served alongside him over the past two years.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 12th Executive Council meeting of 2025, held on Wednesday in Makurdi.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the dissolution affects only the commissioners. Other key officials remain in office.
As part of the shake-up, Governor Alia appointed a new Chief of Staff, Moses Atagher, a two-time former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State. Atagher, described as a seasoned administrator, also previously served as Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. His appointment takes immediate effect.
Governor Alia expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their contributions, noting that their departure would create room for others to serve the state.
“He appreciates all the former commissioners who worked with him for two years,” the statement said, “calling on those who may not be reappointed to remain committed to the party and continue supporting the system. Their exit paves the way for other citizens to contribute their quota.”
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing cabinet members, former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Bemsen Mnyim, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.
“At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school,” Mnyim said. “We have learnt a lot while working with you.”
All former commissioners have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries without delay.
