Gov Alia’s Aide Joseph Resigns, Claims 12 Months’ Unpaid Salary
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s Special Assistant on Youths and Media Mobilization, Atu Terver Joseph, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing personal reasons and later alleging severe delayed salary payments during his tenure.
In a resignation letter addressed to the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Atu expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for the opportunity to serve in the administration, noting that he was grateful for the experience gained while in office.
“I write with profound respect and gratitude to tender my resignation from my position as Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization effective immediately. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve under your administration and for the confidence posed in me. I remain appreciative of the experience gained and I wish your Excellency continued success in the service of Benue State,” Atu stated in his letter.
However, in a video message released shortly after his official exit, the former aide alleged that he worked for the first 12 months of his appointment without receiving any salaries or allowances. He claimed that he continued to perform his duties despite the lack of financial compensation and only started receiving his regular salaries after completing one full year in office.
The development has sparked widespread speculation regarding a potential political realignment. Prior to announcing his resignation, Atu had disclosed on his verified Facebook page that he paid a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, signaling a possible shift in his political allegiances.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and the Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, were unsuccessful as calls to their telephone lines went unanswered at the time of filing the report. The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations made by the former aide.
