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Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reiterated his appreciation to the people of the state for their support and confidence in him during the 2023 governorship election, saying their votes paved the way for his emergence as Governor.
Alia, who spoke on the political developments in the state, commended Benue citizens for believing in his capacity to provide purposeful leadership and for trusting that his administration would respond to their needs and aspirations.
The governor also extended his message of forgiveness to members of the opposition and others who, according to him, have continued to scrutinise his past in search of information that could be used to discredit his administration and the ongoing renewal agenda in Benue.
He urged his political opponents to redirect their energy towards developing credible ideas and programmes capable of taking the state forward rather than engaging in what he described as character deformation and unsubstantiated allegations.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Alia acknowledged that he is first a human being despite occupying the office of governor and said he begins each day by seeking God’s mercy and guidance to enable him promote peace, unity and understanding among the people.
He also referred to the biblical teaching that all human beings are prone to shortcomings, stressing the importance of forgiveness, humility and reconciliation in public life.
According to him, political campaigns have commenced in some states, with politicians increasingly resorting to unverified information in attempts to damage the reputation of their opponents.
Alia stressed that politics is a periodic engagement with the people and does not define his entire life, noting that he remains a Catholic priest whose vocation will continue beyond his tenure as governor.
He said he would eventually return to his priestly vocation and continue to look up to God for direction regarding his next assignment in service to humanity.
The governor further stated that he forgives those who blaspheme against him but maintained that attempts to question his spiritual calling and healing ministry amount to an attack on an aspect of his life that is ultimately known to God.
He explained that his experience as a priest and his healing ministry had enabled him to positively impact lives before entering politics, adding that these experiences contributed to the confidence some people reposed in him as a leader capable of governing the state.
Alia said his administration’s vision of a New Benue Renaissance is also centred on healing the state economically and socially through the revival of abandoned projects, revitalisation of industries and creation of employment opportunities for the people.
He added that his administration was deliberately involving intelligent and capable young people in governance to give them the experience needed to provide leadership and continue the development of Benue after the expiration of his tenure in 2030.
The governor urged those who are already positioning themselves for future political leadership to concentrate on developing realistic programmes rather than spending their time attacking his personality.
He challenged them to formulate strategic plans that could benefit Benue and provide continuity in governance, stressing that the state needs intellectuals and innovative thinkers capable of operating in a rapidly changing digital world.
Alia also appealed to his political opponents to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation, saying that as a priest, he was duty-bound to forgive those who wronged him and encourage those willing to change their ways.
He cited the biblical example of King David, stressing the need for people to place their trust in God rather than resorting to destructive political battles.
Meanwhile, the governor disclosed that his priority during the current political season is to consolidate relationships already established with the global business community and attract investors interested in partnering with Benue State.
He said stable commercial relationships and investors will surely raise trust and protection on Benue State indigins in any part of the world they reside.
Fely Manmah,
Abuja
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