…Tasks appointees, others on good governance at grassroots
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has kicked off a statewide appreciation tour with strong endorsements from stakeholders in Sankera, Kwande and Jechira, who pledged to back his re-election bid in 2027.
The tour, which began on Monday, is designed to thank members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as the people of the state for their role in his emergence and victory, is expected to cover all eleven 11 federal constituencies in the state
Speaking at the College of Education, Katsina-Ala during the Sankera town hall, Governor Alia urged political appointees and local government chairmen to remain close to their communities and ensure government projects and benefits reach the people, warning that the disconnect between some officials and their constituents was damaging public perception of his administration.
“You have access to significant resources. Use your offices to impact the lives of those you represent,” Alia said.
He further directed traditional rulers to monitor council chairmen and report cases of mismanagement of public funds.
“We will not accept a situation where resources meant for the people are released, yet there is no visible impact at the grassroots,” he added.
To curb insecurity, the Governor announced the deployment of three new military operational bases to the Sankera axis covering Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs. The units will be sited at Agu in Katsina-Ala, Anyiin in Logo, and Azendeshi in Ukum. He also said 30 motorcycles will be provided to security agencies to improve mobility and response time.
Alia gave bandits operating in Sankera forests until the end of September to surrender, warning that a full security operation would follow for those who refuse.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for siting the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army in Benue, and praised the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Isaac Dugu, for his role in peace advocacy.
On development, Alia disclosed plans for a 460-megawatt dam project aimed at boosting power supply and water availability in the state.
He also restated his stance on ranching, saying no land would be ceded to pastoralists without the consent of the people.
“Nobody will force us to give up even an inch of our land. That will not happen under my watch without the people’s approval,” he declared.
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam urged Sankera people to reciprocate past political support by backing Alia in 2027, citing the Governor’s appointments and development efforts in the zone.
Other speakers including Hon. Solomon Wombo, member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo; former Commissioner Matthew Abo; and HRH David Sevav, the Tor Sankera, also endorsed the Governor and called for more action to end attacks so that security spending can shift to development.
In Kwande, APC chieftains Ternenenge Moses, Hon. Terhile Iorchii and elder statesman Alfred Acha praised the administration’s infrastructure projects and political appointments, and asked for continued support for Alia to complete his agenda.
In Vandeikya, stakeholders from Jechira, made up of Vandeikya and Konshisha LGAs, also declared support for a second term for the Governor. Suswam again emphasized reciprocity in political alliances.
The Governor’s “Thank You” tour is expected to continue across the remaining federal constituencies as he consolidates support ahead of the 2027 elections.
