Gov Alia Unveils First Cabinet Picks After Mass Sack of Commissioners

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has formally transmitted the names of eight commissioner-nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, marking the first batch of appointments in his new cabinet formation.

The development, announced in a statement released on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, represents a critical step in restructuring the state’s executive arm following the recent dissolution of the previous council.

Kula stated that this move is designed to strengthen the machinery of governance and ensure improved service delivery across critical sectors. He added that a second list of nominees is expected to be forwarded to the Assembly in the coming days.

The first batch of nominees includes:

• Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue

• Hon. Dr. Benjamin Ashaver

• Hon. Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa

• Hon. Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo

• Dr. Yangien Timothy Ornguga

• Hon. Denis Iyaighgba

• Hon. James Dwem

• Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche

The nomination follows Governor Alia’s sweeping dissolution of the previous State Executive Council on Wednesday, in which all commissioners were relieved of their duties. The only retained cabinet member is Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who now serves as Chief of Staff.

The governor’s latest move is viewed as part of a broader effort to reengineer his administration for more effective governance and to infuse fresh energy into the state’s leadership structure.