From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has described as false rumours making the rounds that is contemplating decamping to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and others.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, in a statement, said dubious claims spreading in diverse media and social networks were deceptions aimed at hurting the prominence of the governor.
He fingered those he described as “the persistently discontented politicians in Abuja, who, prompted by their own self-serving agendas, are bent on sowing seeds of discord between Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He, however, noted that their actions do not only wholly miss the mark; but they also portray a significant lack of awareness regarding the substantial bond between the governor and President Tinubu.
The statement read: “The latest round of misinformation indicates that Governor Alia is contemplating a shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside Mallam El Rufai and others. This claim is absolutely gratuitous and lacks any trustworthy evidence.
“In an attempt to supply credence to their soaring fictions, these detractors have resorted to recycling an innocuous picture from an old visit, which has been manipulated to complete their account.
“This is after they, through their infamous hirelings, viciously speculated that the former Governor Kaduna State visited Governor Alia in Makurdi. They forgot that official security reports follow such visits.”
He maintained that Governor Alia is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and has successfully resurrected the party which was on the threshold of recession prior to the 2019 elections.”
He stated that Alia’s laudable performance in office has not solely enhanced the APC, but has further forced opposition parties into refuge.
According to him, since taking over office, Governor Alia has striven faithfully to reconnect Benue State with the federal government, culminating in an overabundance of benefits comprising plumb appointments for the Benue people.
“His commitment to the “Renewed Hope” mantra championed by President Tinubu is conspicuous in the transformational advancement initiatives being implemented across the state.”
He told the people of Benue that “Governor Alia remains unyielding and indomitable by these unfounded falsehoods. Attempts to undermine his leadership are not only entirely worthless, but also manifest a lack of integrity on the part of those perpetuating such lies.”
He urged the Benue public to remain observant and to overlook any information that lacks substantiation as Alia is committed to serving the communities of Benue with transparency, allegiance, and unswerving resolve.