Featuring at the just-concluded national APC convention in Abuja, Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia of Benue state emerged outstanding as he graced the event with substantial delegates that elected party structures at all level thus proving Benue state’s loyalty and support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was returned unopposed by the party members as their presidential flag bearer in the 2027 election.
At the convention, Gov. Alia expressed loyaty to both President Tinubu, the newly elected party Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda and other party executives. While appreciating his state delegates who have so much regards for him, he reminded them that no man can ride alone in the world of success story given the fact that all professionals converge on a point to strengthen each other’s path for success. Thus, no one should be discouraged by human threats as they are meant to frustrate one’s pathways. He said given the overwhelming cooperation exhibited by party faithful, the APC will continue to record huge success and perpetually grow from strength to strength.
Referencing the scripture where King David said that “it is better to fall into the hands of God than to fall into the hands of man”, Fr. Alia reminds all that the destiny of man is predestined before his birth. He advised that everyone should seek to solidify his relationship with his creator who provides platform for man’s existence. He continues to appreciate his people, especially delegates, who have been supporting him in his political carrier. He commended their guidance which have enabled him understand both politics and democracy.
Benue citizen’s including the state delegates in like manner shared their unreserved gratitude with their governor for his victories and for maintaining harmony. They also lauded his agenda to emancipate them from backwardness and deliver “New Benue Renaissance”. Speaking at the convention, where Benue was among the dominant states, the delegates disclosed that the governor’s antecedents necessitated their resolve to re-endorse him and any candidate he presents for continuity in office and in all conventional levels. They assured him that they will not allow any opposition strategies geared towards discrediting his efforts.
They eulogised Fr. Alia’s success at the state congress where he picked the ticket as APC governorship flag bearer for 2027 election. His people have continued to assure him of their massive vote for his second term in office next year which they said is to enable him extend his developmental projects to other regions. Meanwhile, they call on other party leaders to jointly support Governor Alia whom majority of the people still approve his continuation in office.
Earlier before Governor Alia assumed office, he acknowledged the fact that democracy is for the people and is decided by them. He stressed that a leader who closely associates with his people in love, forgiveness and togetherness, will no doubt, embrace their oneness for credible progress. He reaffirmed that a leader that wishes to succeed must first identify professionals and fix rightful brains in positions that have connectivity with the internet world where youths are trending viral with digital ideas that rule the world. Dr. Alia emphasised that the era for godfatherism and looting of the state’s treasury is gone as part of his utmost priority is to deliver a mandate of “New Benue Renaissance” and re-awake the consciousness of the youths to fulfill their dreams disrupted by both education and financial disabilities.
Fr. Alia appreciated his citizens’ for still standing by him in all manners which has resuscitated his strength. He further “The amiable ratification of all proceedings leading to the conventions from the ward, local government, state, zonal congresses, and national convention, accentuate the strength, unity and internal democracy of his great party. The achievement is an expression of conviction to purposeful leadership and a shared commitment to progress”.
The governor congratulated the newly elected chairman of his party and other affirmed party officials across various levels whose victory is the choice of all as substantive leaders of the party. He charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by party members and remain steadfast in upholding the integrity, discipline and sanctity of their offices while working diligently to strengthen their party. Furthermore, he assured them of his confidence and that under their collective leadership, the party will continue to grow stronger and deliver on its mandate.
The 4th National Convention comprised state executives and key stakeholders. Dr. Benjamin Omale was formally adopted and ratified as Benue state chairman, amongst other party leaders at all levels from the party structures across the country. The adoption followed a motion move by Senate President Godswill Akpabio who affirmed that the convention was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines, thereby, reinforcing the APC’s grassroots architecture. Governor Alia disclosed that APC remains a party with structures that effect discipline in accordance with INEC’s rules with different committees mandated to address unruly behaviours, irrespective of a person’s status or positions.
Benue state citizens likened Governor Alia’s challenges with godfatherism to that experienced by past leaders who could not enhance developments in their regions. They confirmed that “a minority share if not properly managed, becomes political terminal”. Their endorsement for their governor, however, is to encourage his bold confrontation of what has caused setbacks in the state. They urged Governor Alia to remain focused and strategically utilise the funds of the state to ensure the expansion of his developmental projects. While reminding him that Benue state encompasses all the local government areas, they appealed to him to endeavour to renovate their health centers, expand free education and provide drinking water to all the rejoins.
History, they noted, is already recording the antecedents of Fr. Alia in the state, especially his exhibition of discipline, unity, collective efforts and his political maturity which contributed to his success in all the congress structures.
