(Part 1)
By Donald Kumun
Those who doubted the competence of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia ,are now disappointed and humbled to the extent of hiding their faces in shame.
Inquisitive minds may wish to know what has accounted for this. Simple. In a bold and unprecedented move, Governor Alia has embarked on a comprehensive “Thank You Tour” of the state’s 23 local government areas, to appreciate the people, as part of his campaign promises, when he canvassed for their mandate. This is a journey that has not only brought him much more closer to the them but has also underscored his commitment to grassroots development and participatory governance.
It could be recalled that preparatory to the elections in 2023, Governor Alia promised to get himself attached to the masses in a manner that has never happened before. This tour therefore, would mark a remarkable extensive engagement, and direct dialogue to those who really hold the power-tye people.
This visionary tour has equally become a testament to his administration’s resolve to address the pressing needs of the Benue populace and chart a path towards sustainable development.
The tour began this week, and is scheduled to cut across all the 23 local government areas that traverses the length and breadth of the state.
While not neglecting the fact that the tour serves as a strategic decision to align his visits during the rainy season, which made accessibility to even the most remote areas a bit cumbersome, is deliberately tailored to, once again, appreciate the situation of the existence of the rural dwellers the more.
So far, the Governor has visited the major blocks of Sankera (Katsina-Ala/ Ukum/Logo), and Kwande/Ushongu, Vandeikya and Konshisha, as Jerchira axis, from Tuesday June 18, 2024, and Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Over the days, he has traversed the diverse terrains of Benue State, from the lush agricultural fields of the aforementioned areas, where they all passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for his achievements, within one year in office.
The core of the Governor’s tour has been listening sessions with traditional rulers, genuine political activists, local leaders, farmers, traders, youths, and other critical gatekeepers, accompanied by the State Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, Senators Barnabas Gemade, Joseph Akaagerger, among others. These interactions have provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by each local government area.
Across Kwande and Sankera, the major problem of perennial herders-farmer conflicts, homegrown crises which have severely impacted agricultural productivity, were brought to the front burner. The governor’s response was swift and decisive, promising to increase the momentum towards strengthening early-warning signs in the prevailing security measures, already put in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order, even as he charged them on “If You See Something, Say Something”, security measures, to enable him swing into action, immediately.
This aims to bring about an assured mutual prosperity as peaceful coexistence through dialogue and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, to be enhanced.
Constructive discussions highlighted the urgent need for infrastructural development, including better roads and reliable power supply, to stimulate local businesses. And the Governor is already an apostle of adding impetus into the concrete actions and measures taken to fast-track on this.
Where background discussions are done, the Governor, has wholeheartedly responded to these concerns. He announced a comprehensive urban renewal efforts, which includes road rehabilitation projects, and investments in the use of renewable energy to ensure sustainable power supply.
Meanwhile, at each of the Federal Constituencies, as center points of the “Thank You Tour”, the Governor is receiving decampees to join him for the good work he’s doing for the State, devoid of political affiliations. So far, over 10,000 decampees, from the Peoples’ Democratic Power (PDP), has joined him in the All Progressives Congress (APC), still counting, as the TOUR progresses to Buruku Federal Constituency, and Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency today.
The Governor is also emphasizing on unity of purpose amongst the people to join him for the development of the State as no meaningful development will take place in an atmosphere of rancour.
He is also using the opportunity to account for his impactful stewardship within one year in office which can be reflected briefly as part of his speech for the people during the tour
Education and healthcare have also been focal points of the governor’s tour. He has emphasized his giant strides in what has been done so far with the primary and secondary healthcare facilities that are under the purview of the state.
Similarly, concerns in education and mining of the massive mineral deposits in the state, which are meant to serve the people rather than become a curse to them, came under scrutiny in Kwande. The Governor mince no words when he emphasized that anyone caught in working against the collective interest of the greater majority will not be spared. Such will definitely be brought to account and treated like an outcast.
He assured the people of Kwande that, he was deeply committed to wiping away their tears by bringing a similar institution as the type brought by a worthy son of the area, Engr. Barnabas Andyar Iyorhyer Gemade, (a Polytechnic), which was forcefully removed from the area.
Governor Alia’s tour has not just been about promises of rhetorics; it has been about action so far taken and those to come in the near future.
The tour has also underscored the governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability. At each stop, he has provided an insight on the state’s status of ongoing projects, fostering a culture of trust and openness between the government and the people.
As Governor Alia’s tour gathers spectacular momentum, the impact of his visits is palpable. Communities across Benue State are witnessing a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
By prioritizing direct engagement and addressing local issues head-on, Governor Alia is not only transforming the physical landscape of Benue, but also strengthening the social fabric that binds its people together.
This phenomenal tour has set a new benchmark for governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in empathy, action, and a relentless commitment to the well-being of all citizens.
This is what happens when a righteous one is in power.
Yes Father!!!
Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, and writes from the “Thank You Tour”, by the Governor, in Benue State.
