From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The former national chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Sen. Barnabas Gemade has advised the Benue state Governor Rev Fr 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, Member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Prince Solomon Wombo and others has pledged strong support to Governor Alia in his efforts in leading and developing the state.
Gemade who spoke on Saturday at the 58th birthday celebration of Governor Alia in Makurdi, said in politics where the governor has found himself, he can not run away from political enemies if he want to develop the State.
The former Guber aspirant during the 2023 election said in politics whatever you do or say people interpret it differently and as such he must not be afraid of making enemies but must dedicated to bringing good governance to Benue 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 you conscience and do good for the masses and you will have satisfaction,” he said.
Speaking, former Military Administrator of Plateau and Katsina States and Guest Speaker of the occasion, Major General Lawrence Onoja, rtd lauded the Governor as a ‘dogged man’, a liberator of the oppressed, a sacrificial and selfless servant of the people.
Onoja said Governor Alia was the people’s father, a rare politician, gentleman, philanthropist, philosopher, and a dogged believer in Mr. Presidents 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 living his priestly ordination to join politics to provide dividends of democracy to the people.
“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 contributes to a sustainable and thriving future for the good people of Benue State and the nation at large,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee led by the Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter eulogized 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 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 said.
The acting Chairman of APC in the state, Benjamin Omakolo described the Governor as a remarkable leader and extra ordinary man whose journey in life has been that of passion for his people especially in improving their well being.
Member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Prince Solomon Wombo who noted that Benue needed a strong man at this time to take it out of the woods said Governor was that man and is surely 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 do not have foresight,” Wombo said.
Responding, visibly elated Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciated the Benue people for their immense support and for their prayers on his birthday saying “the outpouring of encomiums are emotional. I appreciate the virtues of hard work and 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 is 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 Government would soon build a flyover in Otukpo the traditional headquarters of the Idoma nation.
He said “With our renewed hope agenda propelled by the President and his Vice, we are ensuring that the State enjoy peace and its status as the Good Basket of hr Nation.
“You will be amazed at the level of work we will do in the next six months in the State. You are the reason why I will continue to make strides. The stones have been rolled away and Benue will move from grace to grace.
“For those areas we have touched in two weeks you will feel impact of the government. The people of Zone C, Otukpo will have a flyover. Benue must be on developmental radar. All enemies of the State must stay clear of the State or be crushed. Reward for hard work is more hard work and I assure you of more hard work because this government exist for you. We will continue to work for the masses of Benue State,” he added.