Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has said he will not rest until peace is fully restored across the state, particularly beyond the six local government areas currently at the frontline of insecurity.
Alia made the remarks on Thursday in Makurdi while addressing support groups who took to the streets of the state capital to show solidarity with him and President Bola Tinubu in celebration of Democracy Day.
According to the governor, while the country celebrates this significant occasion, it should also serve as a moment of reflection.
“It is not yet uhuru. We are still mourning our people who were killed without provocation.
“We hold not just hope but determination, deepened efforts to remove the forces of division and violence.
“We will never rest on our oars until peace is fully restored in Benue, especially beyond the six local governments currently at the frontline of insecurity.
“I am confident that with the support of the president, we will overcome this insecurity.
“Our traditional rulers and many religious leaders are marching alongside with us, working tirelessly to restore peace in our state,” he said.
However, Alia alleged that certain individuals were fuelling discord in the state.
According to him, some religious leaders were contributing to the unrest through their reckless rhetoric.
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The governor urged them to refrain from speaking if they lacked accurate knowledge about Benue and Nigeria.
“Don’t misuse your sacred platforms, altars and podiums to spread misinformation.
“Speak only what you know, what is verifiable, and what you truly stand for.
“Our people are suffering. Their pain is our pain.
“For those of us who have sworn to defend and protect them, who are committed to restoring peace, we will continue to do so with the support of all good people.
“Celebrate Nigeria as a shared heritage because without this country, there will be no food on your table, no roads to drive on, and no businesses to run,” he said.
He described Democracy Day as a great occasion and encouraged the people to embrace a positive mindset for the sake of Benue and Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Benjamin Omale, commended Tinubu and Alia for their transformative leadership.
Omale urged the people of Benue to continue supporting both leaders for re-election in 2027.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in the state, Mr Aloysious Omaja, stated that Alia had revived the lives of civil servants in the state, who were previously on life support.
Omaja affirmed that civil servants would work towards the re-election of Alia and Tinubu in 2027.
