Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue, has urged the residents of the state and all Nigerians to reconsider the planned nationwide protest and engage with the government to express their concerns.
The scheduled protest is set to take place on August 1. Alia addressed this matter on Sunday after the mass at the Chapel of Grace at the government house in Makurdi, the capital of Benue.
During his address, he acknowledged the efforts of the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, in addressing the challenges faced by the people.
The governor emphasized the need to postpone the planned protest in the state and nationwide, particularly considering the government's sincere efforts to improve the citizens' well-being, in the light of the scheduled demonstration on August 1st, 2024. This assembly has been proposed by unidentified groups across the country, citing hardships and poor governance as the impetus.
Alia expressed gratitude to Hassan Yabanet, the Benue commissioner of police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for engaging with various union leaders in the state and persuading them not to partake in the protest.
He also highlighted the high regard President Tinubu has for the people of Benue and the significant role the state plays in the president's agenda. According to the governor, the ongoing developmental projects in the state are a result of the support extended by the current administration.
Regarding the security situation in the state, the governor addressed the unfortunate Ukum crisis and revealed the establishment of an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
Alia made allegations about the involvement of politicians from Abuja in the militia attacks in Ukum and commented on the breakdown of trust between the militiamen and the previous administration. However, he assured the citizens that the government is taking decisive steps to resolve the security challenges and restore peace in the state.