News Editor
… As NANS, NUBESS, others endorse Tinubu, Alia for 2027
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
As Nigerians celebrate Democracy day, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has lamented the insecurity in the state saying the state was still burying those killed without provocation.
Governor Alia who spoke on Thursday while addressing supporters during the June 12 Solidarity March in Government House in Makurdi, described some religious leaders as “religious bandits” saying they are responsible for fueling insecurity in the state.
Alia said “There are some acclaimed leaders who only fan the embers of discord so that peace does not return here.
“There are some religious leaders, I call them religious bandits who are fueling the bad experiences we are having here. By their own rhetorics, by what they speak; if you don’t have the facts on Benue and Nigeria, shut up! Don’t just say something because you have the holy alters or the podium to speak.
“Speak what you know, speak what can be verified and speak what you represent and stand for always.
“Let this day be a sovereign moment for us all at the same time. It’s not yet Uhuru for us. We are still burying our dead who were killed unprovoked. It is not just a hope but with very deepened efforts that we take out the total menace of this carnage and killings.
“We will never rest on our oars to ensure that total peace returns to Benue beyond the six local government areas that are on the frontline of insecurity.
“I’m confident that with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gives to us, we are going to get done with insecurity completely in Benue State. Our traditional rulers and a good number of our rulers including some religious leaders are also marching and fighting with us for peace to return in the state.”
While he noted that the Benue people are suffering so much, Alia pledged to ensure that total peace return to Benue saying “their sorrow is our sorrows, to those of us who have chosen and taken an oath to defend them, protect them and to bring back peace, I’m inviting all of us, all the good people in the state as we reflect on this great day, as we celebrate those who have failed Nigeria today, let our conscience remind us of that what unites is bigger than what divides us.”
Earlier representatives of National Association of Nigeria Students, ( NANS) NUBESS, NLC, Pensioners, Okada Riders and widows in Benue state appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for the good work he is doing for the people. The groups all endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia for 2027 saying there is no need to change the winning team.
Speaking on behalf of Benue workers, Comrade Omaja Aloy commanded the state Governor for implementing the minimum wage to the tune of 75,000 .
He said “Benue workers are happy and we would continue to support you and the president with all our strength”
Also speaking, Waji Isaiah for Okada Riders and Moses Abunku for Support Groups, all endorsed the president and the Governor pledging to work for them come 2027.
