*Iorfa Congratulated Alia Over Victory, Says
Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. Joseph Alakali has stated that the victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Supreme Court has brought to an end, what he described as “unnecessary distractions” that would enable the Governor to focus on the art of governance.
He also advised the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Engr Titus Uba in the 2023 election, to join hands with Governor Alia to move the state forward.
In a congratulatory message to the Governor, that was made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, Prof Alakali pointed out that “the ruling (by the Supreme Court) will allow the Governor to concentrate on governance in the interest of Benue people.”
The message which was signed by Philip Salemkaan, Aide to the SSG, described the outcome of the litigation as a strength for Nigeria’s democracy, even as he urged the PDP candidate in the last Governorship election, Hon. Titus Uba to cooperate with Governor Alia in moving the state forward.”
According to Salemkaan, “The SSG further urged the PDP and it’s Governorship candidate to jettison political affiliation and prioritize good governance and make useful contributions where necessary.
“He (SSG) said now that the unnecessary distraction is over, it’s time for full work. No more court. Our politicians and all relevant stakeholders are strongly enjoined to prioritize the interest of the Benue people by cooperating with Governor Alia Phd in moving the state forward.
“He further appealed to politicians to prioritise the interest of Benue, noting that the state is greater than everyone else adding that he has confidence that there are greater days for the state under Governor Alia’s reign.
“Benue people should believe in Benue. We will be great again and regain our lost glory should we cooperate without political bitterness. Brighter days are ahead. Let’s endure the pressure of today for the pleasure of tomorrow. Gov. Alia will succeed, Benue will be greater,” he added.
Also congratulating Governor Alia and his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode over their victory at the Supreme Court, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lobi Stars, Football Club (FC), of Makurdi, Dominic Iorfa noted that the victory was “democracy in action.”
Iorfa who congratulated the Governor and his Deputy on behalf of management, staff and players of the club, noted that the verdict has finally put paid to “all forms of litigations that were more of a distraction.
“The Supreme Court has spoken and upheld the victory of my two principals (the Governor and his Deputy) and I describe it as sound which reawakened my trust in the highest court in the land for focusing on the rule of law.”
While Iorfa assured Governor Alia of his loyalty to his administration, which has started on a sound footing, he particularly expressed delight with the milestone he has made in the area of welfare, construction of capital projects, rule of law and constant attention to Lobi Stars which has put the club in a decent position on the NPFL table.
Also, while calling on those who lost at the Supreme Court to join Governor Alia, for the overall development of the state, Iorfa observed that the time for politics was over and it was now time for governance.
The Vice Chairman and CEO of Lobi Stars also prayed for wisdom and good health upon the Governor and also wished him succeess in his mandate.
Earlier, in his victory message to the people of Benue state, Governor Hyacinth Alia said, the judgment of the Supreme Court was only an affirmation of the time-honored mantra that power belongs to the people.
He also assured the people of the state that the mandate of the masses which was overwhelmingly given to him would be used for the welfare and welfare of the people of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Kula Tersoo and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
According to the CPS, “Governor Alia who hailed the judiciary saying they (judiciary) have proven once more that they are truly the last hope of the common man (and he) dedicates his victory to the ordinary Benue person on the street, farmers, teachers, market women, pensioners, IDPs, youths, and civil servants previously depressed and demotivated.
“He maintains that he will continue to prioritize their needs and interests over those of people who do not mean well for the state. He calls on the people to continue to support the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.
“The Governor reiterates his resolve to remain focused until the fortunes of the state are turned around for good and to ensure that Benue realizes its potentials and takes its pride of place in the comity of developed states in Nigeria”, Kula stated. End.
