Benue state is bigger than any individual; security remains paramount – Gov Alia

Governor Hycenth Alia of Benue State today addressed a jubilant crowd gathered at Tito Gate, Makurdi, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining security and the well-being of the state’s residents.

Governor Alia’s speech comes amidst rising concerns about insecurity in the state, which he addressed by highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and condemning those who may be inciting unrest.

“We are in government, and I don’t want anything that will jeopardize the security of Benue State,” Governor Alia declared.

He went on to issue a stern warning to would-be troublemakers: “We are not tolerating any nonsense from any group of people or from any individual. Benue is larger, bigger and older than any individual. The security of Benue State and the security of the lives and property of the people of the state is very paramount to me, and I take it very seriously. I don’t want anyone to create any problems here in the state. If you try any trouble or insecurity, you are on your own and you will face the law.”

Governor Alia further emphasized his administration’s efforts to address the influx of armed herders, stating, “We have held meetings with every group and with them. They are now leaving to where they came from.”

He urged the public to maintain peace and report any suspicious activity, stating, “I want the state to remain very calm. You, the young people, don’t cause any trouble. Don’t start anything that looks like trouble to anyone. But if you see something close to trouble or insecurity; if you see something, say something.”

He had stopped at the Tito Gate to address a mammoth crowd that gathered and erupted into cheers when they saw his convoy passing by. This show of love and support by the Benue public is born of Governor Alia’s fulfilment of his campaign promises, given that he has been paying the state’s civil servants’ salaries as and when due; and overseen the revitalization of the state’s economy as exemplified by Makurdi’s booming markets. Benue people have never had it so good. People are also happy with his hard stance on insecurity and crime in the state.

Chanting, “No Alia! No Benue!” the jubilant crowd expressed satisfaction with the governor’s astute, people-oriented leadership style, a total departure from the old order where power and state resources were concentrated in the hands of a few individuals who abandoned the masses. “Alia’s leadership style is bottom up,” Comrade Terkula Sesugh, one of the youths in the crowd, stated. “The old order understands what the departure from the past portends that is why they are contending with him. They should give him a chance. This is the first time in several years that the people are feeling the impact of good governance in the state.”