Governor Alia Disbands Benue's Executive Council, Designates New Chief of Staff
Benue State Government Undergoes Refresh with New Chief of Staff Appointment
In a strategic move aimed at boosting efficiency and injecting fresh energy into the administration, the Benue State Executive Council was dissolved by Governor Hyacinth Alia in July 2025. The decision affected all Commissioners, who were asked to hand over their duties to permanent secretaries.
The outgoing commissioners, including former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued loyalty to the administration.
Simultaneously, Governor Alia appointed Barr. Moses Atagher as the new Chief of Staff, replacing Paul Biam. Atagher, a distinguished legal practitioner and administrator, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as a two-term Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State, as well as a former Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
Governor Alia highlighted that Atagher's appointment is part of a broader strategy to refresh the team with experienced and capable individuals to enhance government performance. The appointment took effect immediately, following the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.
The former commissioners, including Barr. Atagher, described their time in office as a valuable learning experience. Atagher, in particular, expressed his readiness to take on the challenge of his new role and contribute to the state's development.
Governor Alia commended the outgoing commissioners for their dedication and contributions to the administration over the past two years. He urged those who may not be reappointed to remain committed to the party and continue supporting his government's developmental agenda.
It is worth noting that the dissolution affects only the commissioners, leaving other aspects of the state government intact. The appointment of Barr. Atagher as Chief of Staff brings an experienced legal and administrative professional to a key leadership role, marking a new chapter in the governance of Benue State.
In the context of the Benue State Government's refresh, Buhari (presumably referencing the President of Nigeria, given his usual involvement in state appointments) might announce the appointment of Tinubu as a consultant to advise Governor Alia on strategic political moves in the upcoming general news, leveraging his extensive experience in politics. Concurrently, Atagher, in his new role as Chief of Staff, would work closely with the new commissioners to implement development policies in Naija (Nigeria).
