Governor Alia sues for peace amongst Benue communities
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia has called for peace and harmony amongst individuals and communities in Tiv land.
The Governor made the call while speaking at the Supreme Council Meeting of the Tiv Area Traditional Council (Ijirtamen) held at the Council chambers in Gboko, Benue State.
The Governor said the Tiv community and the entire Benue State has faced unprecedented challenges from external forces which require them to be aligned in common goals and intentions characterized by mutual understanding, cooperation, and a focus to overcome them.
He warned against communal clashes within Benue State where one community is up in arms against another over land related issues, calling for peace and a calm environment that will give him a sense of direction and focus to tackle external forces that are up against the state.
Governor Alia gave a brief account of his stewardship in leadership, pointing out his achievements in various sectors including health, education, agriculture, sports, infrastructure, human capital development, and security, adding that his government is people oriented and that he would continue to do everything possible to guarantee peace, develop the state, and transform the lives of Benue citizens.
He called on those who are aggrieved and are not in support of his leadership to come back and join him so they can work together for the interest of the whole state.
The Governor who sounded tough on insecurity, outlined the role the government of Benue State, in strong collaboration with federal government is playing to end insecurity in Benue State.
He thanked the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued assistance and support in the fight against insecurity in the state, assuring that his administration will not relent until the challenge of insecurity in Benue State is surmounted.
Governor Alia continued that security is a collective concern of all people, and all people must be involved in the fight against insecurity in the state by reporting any suspicious move to the security agencies.
He appreciated the entire Tiv traditional council for chosen him to be their Governor amongst many other worthy citizens who contested with him.
The Governor appealed to the supreme council to give him more time in leadership to enable him execute more projects which will improve quality of life, enhance the economy, and increase opportunities for Benue citizens.
Earlier, the supreme council led by the Tiv paramount ruler, Tor Tiv V, His Majesty, Orchivirigh, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse listened to reports on security issues in Tiv Kingdom and advised traditional rulers to watch out for their subjects who are practicing unlawful acts and report them to appropriate authorities
The Council warned that there should be no cultivation of Indian hemp (weed) anywhere in Tiv Kingdom. Traditional rulers were to watch out against this as any person found cultivating Indian hemp in Tiv land will be arrested and jailed.
The Council warned again that no traditional ruler should treat crime with kid gloves in their communities. Any traditional ruler who is found aiding and abetting crime will be sanctioned immediately.
The Council also received update on cultural reforms earlier approved by the Supreme Council, and report on "Bam u Kasev Tiv", a loan scheme aimed at empowering Tiv women to succeed in any trade of their choice.
Update information on Tiv television - a media platform meant to promote the language and culture of the Tiv people and also showcase activities of the Tiv people to the outside world was also given.
In attendance at the Supreme Council, were all categories of Tiv traditional rulers, Chieftaincy title holders in Tiv land, Chairman of local governments in Tiv land, some state and national legislative members in Tiv land, political appointees, and other prominent sons and daughters of Tiv.
The Council finally resolved amongst other things that Governor Alia should continue to govern the State until 2031.