By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Senator Barnabas Gemade has said that Governor Hyacinth Alia must have enemies to effectively deliver good governance to Benue people.
Sen. Gemade made the disclosure on Saturday at the 58th birthday celebration of Governor Alia held at the New Banquet Hall in Government House Makurdi.
He said in politics where the governor has found himself, he can not run away from political enemies if he want to develop the State.
The former minister of works who was the Chairman of the occasion said in politics whatever you do or say people interpret it differently and added that he must not be afraid of making enemies while bringing good governance to Benue people.
“This business that you are in now is politics and governance, there are enemies you cannot run away from. People will be elevated and others brought down.
“If you are doing something bad, some will want you to do something good and vice versa but search you conscience and do good for the masses and you will have satisfaction”. Gemade stressed.
Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia also revealed that the Benue State Government would soon build a flyover in Otukpo the traditional headquarters of the Idoma nation.
Alia said his administration was determined to develop the State and appreciated the virtues of hard work and conscience of the poor masses.
He said the State was currently enjoying relative peace and most of the displaced farmers have return to their farms adding that more effort would be done by his administration for more peace to be achieved.
The Governor again emphasized that security was not spoken but executed.
Former Military administrator of Plateau and Katsina States Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja rtd lauded the Governor and described him as a ‘dogged man’, a liberator of the oppressed and a sacrificial and selfless servant of the people.
Maj. Gen Onoja rtd also the Guest Speaker of the occasion said Governor Alia was the people’s father, a rare politician, gentleman, philanthropist, philosopher, and a dogged believer in Mr. Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda as it supports the development and liberation of the oppressed and less privileged people of Benue State and beyond.
Quoting Gaylord Nelson, an American Politician and environmentalist, Gen Onoja rtd said Governor Alia has sacrificed for the future generations of the State by first living his priestly ordination to join politics and provide dividends of democracy to the people.
“Permit me to dwell on the sacrificial and selfless nature of His Excellency as you will all agree with me that His Excellency has indeed made a great sacrifice in my opinion to take up the mantle to serve as Governor of Benue State.
“This suggests that true moral character is demonstrated by the willingness to make sacrifices today that will have a positive impact on the future, even if those future generations may never know or express gratitude.
“This clearly describes the decision His Excellency has taken and also encourages all of us gathered here today to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to prioritize the well-being of future generations over immediate gratification.
“By applying this we can collectively make choices that contributes to a sustainable and thriving future for the good people of Benue State and the nation at large.”Onoja said.
Benue APC acting Chairman, Benjamin Omakolo described the Governor as a remarkable leader, extra ordinary man whose journey in life has been that of passion for his people especially in improving their well being.
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee led by the Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter eulogized the Governor as a man who is giving hope to Benue people in the area of infrastructural development.
“Do not be distracted. The party will stand by you for two reasons, generational and political so we can win next election do not be afraid as nothing good comes easy. We shall stand by you and ensure you surmount every obstacle that comes your way”, he said.
Member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency Prince Solomon Wombo said the Governor was on a mission to salvage the State adding that the State needs a strong man at this time to take it out of the woods.
“We will stand with you and give you all the assistance. We pray that God should make you stronger than the enemies of Benue State. Any member of the national assembly not standing with you do not have foresight.” Wombo said.