Alia urges labour unions to shelve planned protest
…Accuses Abuja politicians of backing militia attacks
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has called on unions, groups and individuals intending to join the planned August 1st, 2024 protest across the country, to shelve the idea, bring forth their demands and give the government a chance to look into them.
Governor Alia made the call shortly after a Church Service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi.
Recall that August 1st, 2024 has been muted 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.
Commenting on the issue, Governor Alia explained that it was 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 the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), for inviting some union leaders and groups for a round table discussion, dissuading them and their members from joining the protest, especially as the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest, causing destructions.
The governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having the plight of Benue at heart and 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 as the President places Benue on the first line charge.
On the crisis in Ukum, the governor described it as unfortunate, disclosed that a Commission of Inquiry has already been set up by the government to look into crisis, saying the government will take its position when the committee finally submits its report, calling on the people to always place the peace of the state first.
He accused Abuja politicians for playing a major role in the continued militia attacks in Ukum, stating however that, although the trust the militiamen initially had in the government was betrayed by the previous governments, he will continue to extend an olive branch, but will not watch a few miscreants destabilise the peace of the state.
He assured the people of Benue that insecurity will soon be a thing of the past, and equally commended uniformed men for their efforts at securing the state, charging them to continue to be vigilant, even as he said security is the prerogative of every citizen of the state.
He thanked the leaders and congregants of the Government House Chapel for organising prayers for the Government and People of the State, saying his administration will continue to do its best to deliver on its mandate.
