…As NUP, BEMOA hand over nomination form
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called on the people of the state to support him in his bid to re-contest in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Governor Alia made the call Saturday in the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi shortly after the leadership of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and Benue Motorcycles Association (BEMOA) presented the Nomination and Expression Of Interest Forms purchased by members of both associations for him.
The Governor described the gesture as a clear indication that the people were happy with his leadership style.
Governor Alia who gave a run down of his achievements in less than three years, however, stated that though his administration has faced a lot of challenges, he was not resting on his oars in his quest to take the state out of underdevelopment.
He therefore called on all Benue sons and daughters to join hands with his administration especially in the fight against insecurity as it works towards ensuring that it is totally eradicated.
“In spite of the successes achieved so far, there is still enormous work to do, and I call on all citizenry to see what your personal contribution will be to eradicate banditry, killing and kidnapping in the state,” he said.
Stressing the importance of continuity in Governance, Governor Alia charged the people to resist any act that will disenfranchise them, even as he enjoined them to equipment themselves with their Personal Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them reelect him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who he noted, has demonstrated great love for Benue.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode, commended NUP and BEMOA for the great show of love not just for the Governor, but the entire people of Benue State saying the privilege of the masses purchasing a nomination form for a Governor is the first of its kind in the entire nation.
He further disclosed that members of the State Executive Council together with Heads Of Agencies, have also put together thirty four million naira as their support for the Governor’s reelection bid.
Speaking earliest, the State Chairman, NUP, Mr Michael Vembe said the pensioners , in collaboration with BEMOA, deemed it necessary to purchase the forms for the Governor as a mark of appreciation for his efforts in providing good governance which he said has been highly beneficial to them.
Vembeh explained that since the Governor assumed duties, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the backlog of salaries, pensions and gratuities owed retired civil servants were being paid.
He further expressed optimism that at the end of Governor Alia’s eight-year tenure, the issue of salaries, pensions, and gratuity arrears will become a thing of the past.
On his part, the President of BEMOA, Mr. Terfa Aha acknowledged the Governor’s infrastructural development particularly the road networks which he noted has greatly enhanced their commercial activities.
Aha further assured that members of the association will continue to support the Governor as well as ensure thatt he is reelected come 2027.
