News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
A Benue group under the auspices of Jemgbagh Youth Progressive Youth Alliance, (JPYA), has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia for re-election come 2027 general elections.
The group at a press conference in Makurdi, said both the President and the Governor have done well so far in delivering democracy dividends to the people and need to continue to ensure the transformation, progress, and development of Benue state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking through the Convener, Douglas Terry, the group frowned at what they called “concoction of watery allegations” against the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia by some “unscrupulous elements” in the state, particularly from their Jemgbagh axis.
Defending Governor Alia, the youths said Jemgbagh youths frown at one of their kinsman, Abua Yajir who they alleged have been making spurious and unverifiable allegations against the governor in a video which is making the rounds on social media.
According to them, Yajir alleged that Governor Alia has diverted state funds amounting to over N4 billion to unseat the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Sen. George Akume.
They said the allegation is not only false but a deliberate attempt to distract the attention of the Governor from the good work he is doing for the people.
The Convener highlighted Governor Alia’s achievements saying since assumption office, he has given attention to the welfare of workers, both at the state and local government levels by ensuring prompt payment of salaries.
“He is among the few governors in the country to have commenced the implementation of the new national minimum wage, surpassing the N70,000 recommendation by the federal government to N75,000.
“His administration has also revived pensioners in the State in the payment of monthly pension to retirees in addition to clearing the backlog of salary and pension arrears of workers in the State, a stride that has led to the voluntary pledge by the National Union of Pensioners, Benue State chapter to purchase his second term expression of interest and nomination form in 2027.”
They said while Alia has also focused on improving the educational sector, agriculture, health, security and infrastructure, Jemgbagh has already taken her great share of projects with an underpass undergoing construction among other projects too numerous to mention.
“The appointment of distinguished individuals such as Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, Hon. Orpin Alumo, Hon Joyce Luga as Honourable Commissioners, Professor Jerome Andohol as Director-General of Benue State Planning Commission, two Special Advisers along with numerous Principal Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants all from Jemgbagh are an illustration of his commitment to empowering our local leadership.
“This inclusive governance model demonstrates that Governor Alia values the contributions of the Jemgbagh people and strives for representation and equity.
“Furthermore, it was the Governor who set the tone that resulted to the emergence of the youthful and dynamic speaker of the tenth Benue State House of Assembly, our very own brother, Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh whose leadership has been magnanimous at the state assembly and beyond.
“However, we will not stand by silently as baseless criticisms emerge from within our ranks. To Mr. Yajir and his ilk, it is shocking how soon they have forgotten the “yes father” campaign slogan they sang prior to the 2023 elections.
“We wish to educate detractors that the Governor has given power back to the masses through his numerous administrative strides. At the appropriate time, the masses shall rise to the occasion and make their bold statements through the ballot way better than they did in the 2023 general elections.”
He stated that, Abua Yajir and his ilk do not speak for the Jemgbagh people, as their outbursts were aimed to masturbate the emotions of their paymasters. They therefore reiterated their support for Governor Alia’s administration and pledged their support for his reelection in 2027.
