From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged to continue to do more to develop the state as the interest of Benue people remains top priority of his administration.
He stated this in Kaduna State, when he visited his Kaduna State counterpart, Governor Uba Sani.
Alia, who noted that politics is about the people’s interest and not personal aggrandisement, said: “When people say politics is about interest, they miss it. It’s about the people; it’s about the interest of the people, and that’s the perfect definition of Democracy.
“I thank you so much for coming here to see me. I didn’t invite you, but for the love you have for Benue and for me, you came out with your leadership and in your numbers to welcome me. I will come back again to see you. I want to give you my words; you are the reason I will continue to work so hard for Benue State.”
Kaduna State Governor, Sen Sani, who described the community of Benue people as one of the most peaceful said: “Even a child in Benue and Kaduna states only know “Yes Father.”
I want to thank you for the solidarity; in Kaduna, everybody is a citizen. We are cosmopolitan. I’m happy for the support.”
Governor Sani recalled that “during elections, we met; you came out openly to support me. We are working with our advisers to reach out to all the relevant groups in Kaduna, so like I told you, you will come up with your nomination.
“Nominate somebody that can represent you on the table, so that whenever we are taking decisions you are there on the table of decision making in Kaduna State.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Benue St0Atule noted that, “after taking over power as the sixth democratically elected governor of Benue State on May 29, 2023, in the last one year, Gov Alia has delivered a number of democratic dividends to the people of Benue State, including ensuring timely delivery of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rate, construction of 16 roads in Makurdi metropolis with work ongoing at construction of underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko towns and on several other roads in the rural areas.
“Governor Alia has also remodelled the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, renovated and furnished the Benue State Secretariat Complex, connected the Benue State Secretariat, Government House, and Water Board to 330KVA transformer to ensure constant supply of electricity.
“In the health, Alia has revived the Muhammad Buhari Mother care and Child Hospital in Makurdi, brought in a new leadership at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, procured advanced standard medical equipment and employed over medical 400 staff and specialists for improved efficiency,” Atule maintained.
On use of palliative funds, Atule pointed that Gov Alia has purchased 100 new buses for the Benue Links, the state government owned transport company to cushion the hard effects of fuel subsidy removal on travellers, and has constructed drainages round the Benue Links main park in Makurdi, and asphalted the premises of the company to avoid flooding.
“Yours Excellency, we have never witnessed such massive projects within one year by any government in Benue State, perhaps the reason for the envy. In Kaduna State, Benue Links has no parking place. For years, the managers keep jumping from one rented space to another. We appeal for a permanent park for the Benue Links as it has also come of age in Kaduna,” he said