By

Fely Mammah 

The Government House in Benue State has in recent days witnessed an influx of citizens and supporters calling for Governor Hyacinth Alia to continue his leadership beyond his current tenure, insisting that he should be allowed to complete and commission the numerous development projects initiated under his administration.

The large gathering of residents, community leaders and political supporters said the state has experienced a level of development and international attention not previously seen in its history. According to them, several of the governor’s initiatives have already attracted partnerships with global institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, as well as interest from distinguished personalities and development partners.

Many residents noted that the state is increasingly receiving visitors from across the world seeking to explore opportunities in Benue’s rich agricultural and mineral resources. They highlighted produce such as ginger, citrus fruits, cassava, mangoes and other organic crops that have drawn attention from potential investors and agricultural partners.

Contractors and development stakeholders, they added, have also been paying courtesy visits to the governor in appreciation of the opportunities provided through various infrastructure and economic development programmes designed to transform the state.

Supporters argue that Governor Alia’s administration has significantly improved the physical landscape of Benue through the construction of commercial business districts and residential developments. They described these efforts as part of a broader transformation agenda that is gradually repositioning the state economically and socially.

Some residents admitted that the governor’s vision was initially underestimated, but noted that his introduction of digital governance ideas and innovative development strategies has since changed public perception.

They further stated that the governor continues to enjoy strong grassroots support, with many citizens declaring their readiness to defend his mandate and ensure he completes every project he initiated. According to them, the governor’s promise to deliver a “new Benue” is steadily becoming a reality.

Observers have also compared Governor Alia’s urban renewal vision with that of former Federal Capital Territory Minister Nasir El-Rufai, whose tenure was known for major infrastructure and environmental reforms in Abuja. In a similar move, Governor Alia has reportedly requested access to the original master plan of Benue State in order to guide the modernization and beautification of Makurdi, including the dualization of major roads and environmental improvements in the capital city popularly known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”

Meanwhile, political dynamics in the state appear to be shifting as opposition figures begin to align with the governor’s administration. Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Tim Nyor, recently defected to support the governor’s government.

Explaining his decision, Nyor stated that loyalty should not compromise personal conviction and that genuine development must take precedence over partisan politics.

“I am convinced that the state is on a genuine developmental path,” he said, describing the administration’s efforts as a “Benue Renaissance” that deserves broad support across political divides.

Similarly, former governor Gabriel Suswam has also reportedly thrown his support behind Governor Alia’s developmental agenda. Suswam noted that large-scale reforms require unity among political stakeholders and recalled that he too faced significant opposition during his tenure as governor.

He expressed confidence that more opposition figures would eventually join efforts aimed at advancing the collective interests of the state.

Supporters also referenced the governor’s leadership during a period of crisis that led to the deaths of more than 200 people in parts of the state. They said his strong response and advocacy drew national and international attention, including visits by foreign observers who came to assess the situation.

According to them, the governor’s courage during that difficult period strengthened public confidence in his leadership.

Amid the ongoing political realignments, Governor Alia has called on political defectors and supporters to remain law-abiding and uphold the principles guiding his party while promoting peace and unity across the state.

He urged citizens to see Benue as a shared homeland and encouraged community members to actively monitor developments within their local governments and report urgent issues to his administration.

As momentum builds ahead of the 2027 elections, many residents gathering at the Government House say they intend to return Governor Alia for a second term in office. They maintain that the next election should not be a protest vote but an opportunity to consolidate the developmental strides already made.

Several groups have also called on members of other political parties—including the PDP, Labour Party, SDP and ADC—to set aside differences and support what they described as a collective vision for peace, unity and progress in Benue State.