Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged youths in the state to shun thuggery, violence, and destruction as the nation approaches another political season.
The Governor made the call on Wednesday at the Benue State Youth and Support Groups’ crucial meeting held at IBB Square, Makurdi.
Alia urged political aspirants who intend to campaign in the state to focus on issues and their plans for development, rather than attacking individuals or making statements capable of heating up the polity.
“I would not want any thuggery in Benue. All aspirants should discuss issues, not personalities. Benue is enjoying relative peace; I do not want anyone to come and disrupt it,” he said.
The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support and the opportunity given to him to serve the people of Benue State.
He assured the people that he would continue to work in their interest, while appreciating the youths for what he described as the overwhelming love and support they have shown his administration.
“I am for the masses. I will always be for the masses and will continue to be for the masses,” Alia said.
He encouraged the youths to continue to support his administration and to take advantage of the various services and infrastructure being provided by the government.
As part of his administration’s commitment to the development and welfare of youths in the state, the Governor also announced plans to introduce free basic education in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, in Benue State and Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Dr. Justine Shaku, commended the administration, describing it as a value-adding government.
The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Benjamin Omale, also commended the initiative to engage with Benue youths, saying the party was proud of the Governor. He urged eligible youths to arm themselves with their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
Other speakers at the event, including the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Illegal Levies, Comrade Terver Gbenda, among others, expressed support for the youths’ participation in the political process.
They also pledged the support of youths in the state for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
