Alia to Benue residents: Shelve planned protest, government doing its best

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has called on residents of the state and Nigerians to shelve the planned nationwide protest and share their concerns with the government. 

The planned protest is expected to be held on August 1.

Alia spoke on Sunday after the mass at the Chapel of Grace at the government house in Makurdi, Benue capital.

He said the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is doing its best.

“Recall that August 1st, 2024, has been mooted as the planned date for demonstration by unidentified groups across the country, who are citing hardship and bad governance as the reason for their protest,” the Benue governor said.

“It is imperative for the planned protest to be shelved in the state and country, especially as the present government is trying its best to put smiles on the faces of the people.”

He commended Hassan Yabanet, Benue commissioner of police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for meeting with some union leaders in the state and dissuading them from joining the protest.

He said President Tinubu loves the people of Benue and “places them highly in his plans”.

He added that “all the projects his administration is currently executing across the state were as a result of the support the state is enjoying from the president”.

While commenting on the insecurity in the state, the governor described the Ukum crisis as “unfortunate,” adding that a committee of inquiry has been established to investigate the situation.

Alia alleged that “Abuja politicians are playing a major role in the ongoing militia attacks in Ukum,” adding that the previous administration had broken the trust between militiamen and the government.

The governor assured people of the state that the insecurity issue would soon be a thing of the past.