MAKURDI (Sundiata Post) – Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called on unions, groups, and individuals intending to join the planned 1 August 2024 protest across the country to shelve the idea in the state. He appealed to them to present their demands and give the government a chance to address them.
Governor Alia made this statement on Sunday, 28 July 2024, shortly after Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.
Unidentified groups across the country have slated 1 August 2024 as the planned date for demonstrations, citing hardship and bad governance as reasons for their protest.
Commenting on the issue, Governor Alia said it was imperative for the planned protest to be shelved in the state and country, especially as the present government is trying its best to improve the lives of the people.
He commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Yabanet, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), for inviting some union leaders and groups for a roundtable discussion. He praised their efforts in dissuading them and their members from joining the protest, particularly after the government uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest and cause destruction.
The governor expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support of Benue, stating that all the projects his administration is currently executing across the state were a result of the president’s support.
Regarding the crisis in Ukum, the governor described it as unfortunate. He stated that a Commission of Inquiry has already been set up to investigate the crisis and that the government will take its position when the committee submits its report. He called on the people to always prioritise the peace of the state.
He blamed politicians in Abuja for playing a major role in the continued militia attacks in Ukum. He stated that although the trust the militiamen initially had in the government was betrayed by previous governments, he will continue to extend an olive branch but will not allow a few miscreants to destabilise the peace of the state.
While assuring the people of Benue that insecurity will soon be a thing of the past, the governor commended security agencies for their efforts in securing the state. He charged them to continue to be vigilant, emphasizing that security is the prerogative of every citizen of the state.
He thanked the leaders and congregants of the Government House Chapel for organising prayers for the government and people of the state, saying his administration will continue to do its best to deliver on its mandate.
