May 08, (THEWILL) – Makurdi, the Benue state capital, was at a standstill on Friday, as Okada riders, market women, Keke Napep operators and other All Progressives Congress faithfuls, blocked Agan tall gate, leading to the capital city, following the arrival of Revd Fr Hyacinth Alia with intent and nomination forms for the 2023 governorship race.
The motorcade overshadowed that of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, who arrived earlier in the day with his nomination forms.
The convoy drove through Wurukum to Tito Yoghourt – enroute Government House, down to Wadata area and high level round about, to their destination at City Bay park.
Addressing the waiting mammoth crowd, Revd Fr Alia, who explained that his native name, (Iormem) which means, people will rest, stated that Benue pensioners will rest with him as the governor in 2023.
“God has not blessed Benue state with oil, but with fertile soil for farming. Our fore fathers have worked for the state. Why then have our Pensioners not been paid over time.
“I have the capacity to quench hunger, poverty, provide jobs, hospitals, salary payment and unite the Tiv, Idoma, Igede and other interest parties in Benue state.”
The guber hopeful, who said a positive change can only be possible with cooperation, therefore, called on people to not only obtain their PVCs, but to come out and vote and defend it.
Warning his supporters against insulting political opponents, he stated that, “if they go low with insults against me on social media, go high by ignoring them.
“The poor Benue people have cried and God heard their cry and they will soon be rescued from the shackles of ‘artificial poverty’. Don’t be shy to run away when they come for attack and not be intimidated till victory is achieved.”
He commended leaders of the APC at all levels, urging delegates to consider him worthy to be the party’s flag bearer at the general elections, to tackle the challenges confronting the state.
An onlooker, Pastor Tony Edah, a passerby, said, only if the APC can offer nomination ticket to Fr Alia, victory will surely come its way in 2023.
