From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The former national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, has advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to be steadfast and not to be afraid of making enemies in his quest of bringing good governance to the Benue people.
This also as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, former military administrator of Plateau, Major General Lawrence Onoja (retd), member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Prince Solomon Wombo and others have pledged support for Governor Alia in his efforts in leading and developing the state.
Gemade, who spoke at the 58th birthday celebration of Governor Alia in Makurdi, said in politics where the governor has found himself, he cannot run away from political enemies if he wants to develop the State.
The former governorship aspirant during the 2023 election said in politics, whatever you do or say, people interpret it differently and as such the governor must not be afraid of making enemies but must be dedicated to bringing good governance to the people who gave him their mandate.
“This business that you are in now is politics and governance, there are enemies you cannot run away from. People will be elevated and others brought down.
“If you are doing something bad, some will want you to do something good and vice versa but search your conscience and do good for the masses and you will have satisfaction,” he said.
The guest speaker at the occasion, Major General Onoja, lauded the governor as a dogged man, liberator of the oppressed, sacrificial and selfless servant of the people.
He said Alia was the people’s father, rare politician, gentleman, philanthropist, philosopher, and dogged believer in Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as it supports the development and liberation of the oppressed and less privileged people of Benue State and beyond.
Quoting Gaylord Nelson, an American Politician and environmentalist, Gen Onoja said Alia has sacrificed for the future generations of the state by first leaving his priestly ordination to join politics to provide dividends of democracy.
“This suggests that true moral character is demonstrated by the willingness to make sacrifices today that will have a positive impact on the future, even if those future generations may never know or express gratitude.
“This clearly describes the decision His Excellency has taken and also encourages all of us gathered here today to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to prioritize the well-being of future generations over immediate gratification.
“By applying this, we can collectively make choices that contribute to a sustainable and thriving future for the good people of Benue State and the nation at large,” he said.
The APC National Working Committee led by the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, eulogised the governor as a man who is giving hope to Benue people in the area of infrastructural development.
“Do not be distracted. The party will stand by you for two reasons, generational and political so we can win the next election. Do not be afraid as nothing good comes easy. We shall stand by you and ensure you surmount every obstacle that comes your way,” he assured.
The acting chairman of APC in the state, Benjamin Omakolo, described Governor Alia as a remarkable leader and extraordinary man whose journey in life has been that of passion for his people, especially in improving their well being.
Prince Wombo who noted that Benue needed a strong man at this time to take it out of the woods said Governor Alia was that man and on a mission to salvage the state.
“We will stand with you and give you all the assistance. We pray that God should make you stronger than the enemies of Benue State. Any member of the national assembly not standing with you does not have foresight,” Wombo said.
Governor Alia thanked Benue people for their support and prayers on his birthday saying, “the outpouring of encomiums is emotional. I appreciate the virtues of hard work and the conscience of the poor masses.”
Describing himself as a lover of peace, Alia said even the common man on the street can testify that efforts in security are yielding positive results as Benue is enjoying relative peace and farmers are going back to their farms.
While pledging not to be distracted, Alia who pledged his administration’s determination to develop the state said the government would soon build a flyover in Otukpo the traditional headquarters of the Idoma nation.