Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday urged Benue people to let the death of former Secretary to the State Government, Professor David Salifu, serve as a rallying point to confront insecurity across the state and the country, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations.
The Governor spoke at the burial of Prof. Salifu in his hometown, Iga-Okpaya, Apa Local Government Area. He was represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode.
He noted the presence of leaders from different political parties at the funeral and called on them to set aside partisan differences.
“The criminality that took the life of our brother does not know party, tribe or religion. It is time we stand together to end it in Benue and in Nigeria,” he said
Governor Alia described the late SSG as a statesman whose contributions to the development of Benue remain indelible. He announced that a committee would be set up to immortalize Prof. Salifu’s legacy and prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family.
Former Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who worked with Prof. Salifu as SSG during his administration, described him as “a gentleman of conviction.” Suswam urged citizens to be vigilant and protect their communities from criminal elements. He also called for prayers for other prominent sons and daughters of Apa who continue to serve the society.
Also speaking, former Governor, Samuel Ortom, represented by Joseph Odaudu, prayed that Benue would never witness such a violent death again.
Other dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the deceased including the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sunny Echono; ADC Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Dr. David Olofu; Member of the House of Representatives for Apa/Agatu, Pastor Ojema Ojotu; and Member, Benue State House of Assembly for Apa, Hon. Abu Umoru, all described Prof. Salifu as humble, selfless and deeply committed to service. They urged younger generations to emulate his dedication to community and duty.
In a sermon titled “Life is an Opportunity,” Rev. Nicodemus David of ECWA Challenge, Makurdi, charged Christians to live charitably and serve God to secure eternal life.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Samuel Salifu, brother of the deceased, thanked guests for honoring his brother’s memory and prayed for safe return of all who attended.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Governing Council and ASUU of the Federal University Wukari, where Prof. Salifu taught until his death on July 2, as well as by traditional rulers from Iga-Okpaya and Agatu.
Prof. Salifu served as SSG under the Suswam administration and was widely regarded as one of Apa’s most respected academics and public servants.
