Protest: Gov Alia Urges Unions, Groups To Shelve The Idea In Benue

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to unions, groups and individuals intending to join the planned August 1, 2024 protest across the country, to shelve the idea in the overall interest of the people and the nation.

Governor Alia, who made the appeal on Sunday, July 28, 2024, shortly after Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, called on the sponsors and planners of the protest to bring forth their demands and give the government a chance to look into them.

August 1, 2024 has been muted by the planners as the scheduled date for the protest by unidentified groups across the country, who are 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 Benue State in particular and the country, especially as the present government is trying its best to put smiles on the faces of the people.

Alia commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), for inviting some of the union leaders and groups for a round table discussion.

The Governor specifically commended the heads of the security services for dissuading the union leaders and their members from joining the protest, especially as the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest and cause destructions.

Alia expressed appreciation  to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast love for Benue, saying, all the projects his administration is currently executing across the state, were as a result of the support the state is enjoying from the President, adding that the President places Benue highly in his plans.

On the crisis in Ukum, Governor Alia blamed the development on ‘Abuja politicians’ who he noted played a major role in the continued militia attacks, describing it as most unfortunate.

Alia said a Commission of Inquiry has been set up by the government to look into crisis, saying that the government will take a position when the committee submits its report thus, called on the people to always place the peace of the state first.

The Governor also noted the trust the militiamen initially had in the government was betrayed by the previous governments, adding that he will continue to extend an olive branch, even as he would not sit and watch a few miscreants destabilize the peace of the state.

While assuring the people of Benue that insecurity will soon be a thing of the past, the governor equally commended security agencies in the state for their efforts at securing the state.

He charged them to continue to remain vigilant, even as he said security is the prerogative of every citizen of the state.

A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, said that Rev Fr Alia thanked the leaders and congregants of the Government House Chapel for organizing prayers for the Government and People of the State, assuring that his administration will continue to do its best to deliver on its mandate.