From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has insisted that there is no wrangling in the All Progressives Congress, APC as the party is waxing stronger on all fronts.
The Governor who stated this at the party’s expanded Stakeholders held at Government House, Makurdi on Tuesday evening, maintained that there is only traditional, original and universally accepted APC in the State under the leadership of the acting chairman Benjamin Omakolo.
He said those dreaming of division in the party should wake up and jon the train which is moving fast.
The Governor appreciated the Tor Tiv and traditional chiefs for inviting him and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. George Akume to confirm and settle the rumoured rift between them.
Alia said, “During the meeting, I and the SGF hugged ourselves signifying peace. I respect him for his statesmanship.
“We want to appreciate all our Tiv traditional fathers how they tried to find out what they kept reading in the newspapers, screen of television and the social media.
“We spoke to them from our hearts, they gave us advise. They initiated peace that was near-eluding us. I embraced my big brother the SGF and he embraced me and behold their was peace.
“And so let no one from any quarters be deceived that the APC in Benue State is disenfranchised; no we are not. Under my leadership as a man of peace, there must continue to be peace; under my leadership as a man of growth and development. Not only APC but the entire Benue state must be developed.
“I thank the Tor Tiv and our traditional fathers who took this initiative and I also thank the SGF who responded for coming for us to let what we say in primary school, “let bygone be bygone.”
“So for those who are day dreaming on the divisiveness of the APC in the state, wake up. The train of the APC in the state is one and it’s moving and it’s moving fast.
“I will like all the citizenry in the state to understand that actions and words have consequences. You cannot be de-marketing the state; politicking is over, now it’s over. It is time for governance.
“We must be united first to take us forward and advance as this is where we stand,” he added.
Alia who noted that his administration will clock one years next month said that a lot of development is ongoing with about 50 road constructions reaching 90 percent completion.
He said his administration will deliver on democracy dividend and called on all and sundry in the state to contribute their quota and be part of the developments.
Earlier the acting APC Chairman, Benjamin Omakolo dispersed rumours making the rounds that the Governor is at loggerhead with APC, structure in the State, saying that he has always respected the organs of the party.
“Suspension of Agada is not Alia’s making that he committed anti party. There are cheap minded people that want to pitch the party with members. We should not repeat the mistake of the past. Many are misled and misinformed hence the need to inform and bring them back to the fold.
“We must correct the bullying and arbitrary bad leadership offered by the former leadership. We must be united to deliver good governance to the people. We shall respect aspiration of the people to participate in governance. We will provide enabling environment for the local election. There may be need for micro zoning.
“We are in full support of the Governor’s laudable policies and programmes. There will be turbulence before sustainability. I urge all members to join hands with the Governor to steer and rebuild the party to greater heights”, Omakolo said.