June 12, (THEWILL) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commended President Bola Tinubu, former Senate President Ameh Ebute, and other Nigerian leaders for their sacrifices in the fight to entrench democracy in the country.
Speaking at the Government House Roundabout in Makurdi on Thursday during a solidarity rally organised by various groups to mark the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, Alia said Nigeria’s democratic journey is still a work in progress.
According to him, many pro-democracy activists suffered imprisonment during the long years of military rule, and pressure groups such as NADECO were formed to compel the military to return power to civilians.
He noted that despite the democratic gains, there are still individuals attempting to destabilise the polity, warning those he described as “bandit bishops” to desist from spreading falsehoods that could mislead the public.
“What unites us is greater than what divides us. This is a great day, and we must speak positively for Benue State. Let’s change our attitude, embrace sacrifice, and ask what we can do for Benue, not what Benue can do for us,” he said.
Alia also applauded President Tinubu’s support in tackling insecurity in the state, assuring that security forces would soon flush out bandits terrorising some communities.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies, vowing not to hand over the state to its enemies.
The governor expressed gratitude to the various groups that endorsed him and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing their support as timely and encouraging.
He pledged to continue standing with the people of Benue State.
Speaking at the event, the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Dr. Benjamin Omale, declared that the state was safe under Alia’s leadership.
He warned that any aspirant challenging the governor in 2027 stood little chance of winning at the polls.
Dr. Omale also praised President Tinubu for stabilising the Nigerian economy and urged citizens to be patient as they await the full benefits of democracy from both the federal and state governments.
In her remarks, Mrs. Grace Iorhe, who spoke on behalf of Benue widows, thanked the Alia-led administration for providing free services through the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Benue Links Transport Company.
She also declared their support for his second-term bid.
Also speaking, Comrade Alloy Omaja, Chairman of Joint Council 1, 2, and 3, described Governor Alia as a blessing to Benue workers.
He commended the administration for implementing the N75,000 new minimum wage.
Other groups, including the APC Motorcycle Riders and the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), also pledged their continued support for Governor Alia to remain in office beyond 2027.
