The Acting Chairman of the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, has denied claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia, was at loggerheads with the APC structure in the State.
He stated Alia never had issues with the party structure, adding that the Governor had only respected the rule of law and honoured the action of a legitimate party organ.
He said he only respected the Executive Committee of the former chairman Augustine Agada, which suspended him for engaging in anti-party activities during the last general elections.
Speaking at the expanded stakeholders’ meeting of Benue chapter at the Lawn Tennis Court, Government House, Makurdi, Hon. Omakolo further appealed to all the leaders and stakeholders to join hands with Governor Alia to rebuild the party and advance Benue.
He noted that it was idle-minded, mischievous or misguided individuals that created and are spreading the false and misleading narrative that Alia and the APC structure in Benue State were working at cross-purposes, with the aim of pitching the leaders of the party against themselves.
Omakolo, who earlier stated that the gathering was the first expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the Benue APC to be convened since he assumed the mantle of leadership a few months ago, noted that the emergence of a new leadership in the party in the state was necessitated by the pursuit of justice and equity, urging that these tenets should continue to bind the party membership together as they fashion the way forward for the party.
He added many APC members were misled and others misinformed about the true state of affairs in the party, necessitating the urgent need for concerted efforts to keep them abreast of the true state of affairs with the view to bringing them back into the fold.
“Governor Alia simply adhered to the party constitution and allowed the emergence of a new chairman to fill the vacuum left by the former chairman. Let us bear in mind that the preeminent goal of a political party is to capture power through democratic elections.
“All political activities are geared towards the attainment of this goal; hence, we should come together and brace ourselves for the challenges that will be coming up in the coming months and years,” Omakolo stated.
While appealing for the contribution of all APC members at all levels towards rebuilding the party, he thanked all delegates from the party wards and assured them that the state party leadership and the Alia administration will connect with, and work with them in every nook and cranny.
According to him: “I would also like to thank the party’s critical stakeholders for being steadfast in their support for the party and the administration of Rev. Fr. Alia. In the current circumstance, the party needs to stand united and build a common front that would work with unity of purpose to deliver good governance and better the lot of the people of Benue State.”
On the forthcoming local government election, Omakolo reiterated the party’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, while respecting the established unwritten zoning order in the LGAs.
Declaring 100 percent loyalty to Alia, Omakolo noted that the manifesto of the party and gubernatorial candidate were inseparable.
He explained the candidate usually aligns his vision with the manifesto of the party, so in the event that he wins, the party will provide the structural support for the success of the administration, to enable the governor deliver effectively on his campaign promises to the people.
“The party structure is essential in ensuring that the social welfare packages and other palliatives released by the state government percolate to all intended beneficiaries at the grassroots. Consequently, it is absolutely necessary for the party to give total loyalty and support to our governor, so that we can achieve the set agenda of the state government. We do recognize the fact that a ruling party is usually attached to the apron strings of the administration it produces. A responsible party does not form parallel structures to that of the administration it produces,” stated Omakolo.
Noting that even airplanes face turbulence on take-off before they reach cruising altitude and enjoy a smooth flight, Hon. Omakolo stated that in the last one year, the Alia Administration had faced great crises, perhaps more than previous administrations in the state since 1999. But, despite these upheavals, the current governor has outperformed all his predecessors in the period under consideration. Omakolo added that Father Alia had charted a new course for the development of Benue State, and is even poised to surpass the record of the golden eras of Chief Aper Aku and Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu.
“No doubt, Benue State is witnessing a revival. Governor Alia’s performance will determine the party’s fortunes in future elections starting with the forthcoming LGA elections. His success will rebuild confidence in the party and earn the trust of the electorate. It will enhance and transform the political fortunes of many of us in this gathering. We must therefore stand by him and ensure that we give him all the support he needs to accomplish his goals in tandem with the party’s constitution,” stated Omakolo.
Alia stated that the party remains united under the leadership of Omakolo and is on the right track to develop Benue, warning those trying to destabilise the state with divisive comments to stay clear as he will not allow anyone to destabilize the government, including those who served the state in the past.
He also enumerated the efforts and achievements of his administration thus far towards ushering a new lease of life to the Benue people and the advancement of the state, while assuring the gathering that nothing is going to distract him from his course; as he will remain focused on his leadership mission until Benue is finally brought out of the woods.
The Governor further stated that the Benue State Government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May, 2024, to complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state. While appreciating the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state, Governor Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.
Furthermore, Father Alia said his administration was already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the new security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the State.
Alia further informed the part stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government had been able to push the invaders back to where they came from, and will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.
He explained some local government areas such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, were still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.
Enumerating some of his achievements in office, the governor said his administration has made tremendous efforts in almost all the sectors, including the construction of rural and urban roads, assuring that he will do more to make Benue a greater state.
He added that even though the government has made a lot of impact in the Health sector, with the recruitment of over 400 Specialists and non Specialists Staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, it still intends to revamp both the primary and secondary healthcare systems across the state, adding that the School of Nursing will also be re-opened, with the government paying half of the tuition fees for students of Benue indigenes who will be returning back there to study.
The Governor also spoke about his administration’s plan to reintroduce the state scholarship scheme to eligible students of the state, and to encourage skill acquisition programmes and the study of science-related courses for the youths.
While appreciating the federal government for the award of the Overpass at Wurukum roundabout, the governor said over 50 other road networks have also been awarded by the state government across the state, and are to be completed within 12 months.
He said although some people are not happy that his administration is doing things differently from the past, he will continue to ensure that the right thing is done, for the overall good of the state.
Alia appreciated the stakeholders and the entire leadership of the party for always supporting his administration, while calling on the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) to fast-track the process for the conduct of the local government elections in the state.
