A priest in the Catholic diocese of Gboko, Very Revd Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has declared his intention to contest the 2023 governorship position in Benue state on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), so as to restore hope and confidence in the Polity.
Father Alia, who made the disclosure while addressing the State Working Committee (SWC), of the party on Monday in Makurdi, the state capital, noted that his administration when elected into office will anchor on agriculture, commerce and industry, science and technology, education, security of lives and property, youths development, human and social development and political economy.
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He stressed that the seven points objectives would be achieved through a collective effort of the good people of Benue State hence his intention would be about the citizenry; pledging to operate an inclusive government and acknowledged the role of APC as a political party.
According to him, his administration would always hold the leadership of the party in higher esteem and recognize its supremacy at all times; calling on lovers of Benue State, democracy and APC to go out and register for their voter’s cards so as to decide who governs them in 2023.
“Benue is in a state of coma and requires a physician to save lives. I’m joining politics because God is above me and has anointed me to come for a rescue mission.”
“Security of lives and property is not all about shouting that they are killing my people, but to first of all overhaul the internal system. We will get our boys out in the ‘bush’ and refine them for the good of the state.”
He stated that, of 32 years in priesthood, he has served in various parts of Benue communities preaching the gospel and has come in contact with the suffering of the people and will restore hope to the hopeless if elected as governor next year.
Father Alia promised to revamp all that were put in place by past leaders, but abandoned, listing such to include, Benue state Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (BEARDA), Benue State Tractor Hiring Agency (BENTA), so as to raise internal generated revenue for the state rather than depend on the federal allocation to run government affairs.
In a response, the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Comrade Austin Agada, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Stephen Tsav, described Fr Alia as qualified for the position of governor of Benue state based on his life experience.
He encouraged the aspirant to go out and canvass his votes, saying APC as a party has promised a level field for all contestants and a candidate with the popular votes shall flag the party’s flag next year.
He reiterated that if Fr Alia wins on the field, nobody will tamper with his mandate as the party is bent on doing the wishes of the general public in order to fix the artificial ills created in the state.
Earlier in an address, the State General Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Mr Paul Biam, thanked Fr Alia and his teaming supporters for interacting with the party executives and urged all the supporters to register with APC to boost its strength and fortune in Benue State.
