By Fely Mammah, Abuja

 

Citizens of Benue State, particularly youths, have expressed concern over what they describe as persistent embarrassment caused by individuals and publications expected to set positive examples. The group accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and his loyalists of attempting to undermine the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

 

The youths alleged that efforts to unseat the governor indicate a lack of commitment to the state’s development and the welfare of its citizens. Instead, they claimed such actions are driven by personal interests rather than the progress of Benue.

 

They described Governor Alia as a leader who has demonstrated capacity and genuine concern for the people, insisting that no amount of political pressure would deter their support for his administration. According to them, the governor’s policies and leadership style have inspired renewed hope for a better Benue.

 

The group also vowed to resist what they termed “propaganda” from political opponents ahead of the next election cycle, maintaining that they would overwhelmingly support Alia’s re-election bid. While acknowledging that the governor, like any human, is not without flaws, they noted his willingness to apologize for shortcomings, referencing his New Year address in which he sought forgiveness from citizens.

 

Reaffirming their support, the youths insisted that Governor Alia remains widely accepted and should be given the opportunity to complete a second term in office, just as previous administrations had done.

 

They further argued that the governor owes no apologies for rejecting godfatherism and resisting influence from past leaders, whom they accused of leaving the state worse than they met it. The group described Alia as a “divine answer” to their aspirations, drawing parallels with biblical leaders who guided their people through challenging times.

 

The youths also revisited events surrounding the 2023 transition, alleging that former governor Samuel Ortom failed to properly hand over power, choosing instead to attend the inauguration of Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State on the same day Alia assumed office.

 

Expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as misconduct by Ortom and allies of Akume, the youths warned that continued actions perceived as disrespectful to the current administration could attract legal consequences.

 

They maintained that previous administrations, including Ortom’s, did not deliver comparable development achievements within their tenure, alleging that the state’s treasury was depleted before Alia took office. In contrast, they credited the current administration with rebuilding efforts and introducing policies such as free education.

 

According to the youths, Benue has become more attractive for investment and business due to infrastructural improvements and governance reforms under Alia. They also commended the State Assembly for allegedly uncovering plots to destabilize the government.

 

The group urged political actors to embrace credible and constructive engagement, warning against activities that could undermine governance. They emphasized that the current generation is determined to take ownership of the state’s political future.

 

While acknowledging past contributions by former governor Gabriel Suswam, they insisted that Alia’s performance has earned him widespread support for continuity.

 

Highlighting achievements of the present administration, the youths pointed to improved salary payments, road construction, transportation initiatives, and the building of key infrastructure, including what they described as the state’s first flyover bridge and a modern healthcare facility with a cancer treatment center.

 

They concluded by urging residents to remain steadfast in their support for Governor Alia, expressing confidence that his leadership would usher in a new era of growth and development for Benue State.