By

Fely Mammah 

The uncommon leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State is reflected in his convincing emergence for an automatic ticket, positioning him for a second-term nomination at a time when governors across the country are beginning to appeal to their citizens for continuity in office. This season of political appeal—directed both to divine forces and the electorate—will inevitably be marked by the presentation of scorecards. These records will allow citizens, acting as impartial judges and careful timekeepers, to assess performance, character, and the extent to which promised developmental strides have been delivered. As the late Sonny Okosun once asked, “Where do we go from here?”

Nigeria is gradually entering a phase of political desperation, as leaders strategize on how to secure a return to office in order to complete their eight-year tenure ambitions. In the past, the blood of citizens was often the sacrificial price for the acquisition of power. With growing awareness and rejection of this outdated and dangerous norm, politicians have shifted toward the use of monetary inducements, exchanged for vague developmental expectations, regardless of oaths taken or promises made.

Hunger—both physical and intellectual—has weakened public conscience, particularly among elites and youths, including those trained in political science who are expected to better interpret governance and political behavior. At this perilous time, parents must guide the moral development of their children, helping them avoid associations that could lead them astray. Scripture reminds us that “there is no food for the lazy man.” Governor Alia consistently emphasizes that modern politics must be rooted in transparency, technology, and sincere service delivery.

This is undeniably a tempting period for youths who should be nurtured as future leaders. Yet, Fr. Alia insists on being identified with a leadership style that prioritizes governance over noise, and delivery and results over rhetoric. It is important to note that today’s youths will eventually assume parental and leadership responsibilities. Channeling energy into defending uncredible characters or engaging in character assassination will only entrench negative and stagnant habits. Likewise, wasting productive years as political thugs or errand loyalists to godfathers will ultimately be a source of regret.

Governor Alia was unanimously elected by the people of Benue State not merely because of his priestly conduct or doctrines of salvation, but more importantly due to his charisma, reformist mindset, and digitally driven ideas. These qualities spoke convincingly in his nomination and eventual election. His enviable attributes have elevated him as a role model of modern leadership—one capable, with the collective support of the people, of transforming Old Benue into a New and Reformed Benue State.

Governor Alia has shifted the political narrative from the familiar, noisy theatrics of elite conspiracies to a consequential contest between performance and desperation, truth and propaganda, legacy and failure. His emergence represents the inevitable discovery of credible leadership at a time when Benue citizens yearned for emancipation from various forms of social and political bondage. Scriptures such as Isaiah 54:15 and Lamentations 3:37 remind us that not every gathering carries divine or popular legitimacy, and that political speech detached from truth, accountability, and moral authority will ultimately collapse under its own weight.

Governor Alia’s rise was not manufactured by rallies alone, but by a remarkable personal history of redemption and reformation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, boldly confronted both political opposition and spiritual doubts by affirming—anchored in scripture—that Hyacinth Iormem Alia is a man after God’s heart. This declaration was supported by historical records of integrity and public service, presented as evidence of a trusted conscience. A protégé of Senator Akume, Governor Alia has demonstrated a deep understanding of governance and the polity in less than two years, an achievement that speaks volumes.

Benue citizens are therefore urged to disregard gatherings of opposition figures whose actions amount to embarrassing the state and undermining its ongoing repositioning. Any assembly aimed at discrediting Governor Alia should be recognized for what it truly is: a political threat rooted in the familiar pattern of failed actors regrouping for self-preservation rather than the public good.