Benue, a state in the north central Nigeria, has gone through political leadership trauma before fortune smiles on the state to presently, have a leader of remarkable maturity and grace. There are incontrovertible records indicating that Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has taken governance in Benue State to the next level.
For instance, he is developing the state wholly by aggressively building and reconstructing infrastructure. He is perfectly investing in human resource development; positively attending to security of life and properties, daily enhancing the welfare of the workforce. His conscious approaches to boosting agriculture to enhance and build sustainable food security, among others, are unprecedented. Above all, the Governor has consistently exemplified what it means to lead with dignity, especially in the face of calculated unprovoked attacks from certain quarters.
Therefore, it is distressing to observe individuals, who should know better, continually seeking to undermine his authority and the stability of our governance. Governor Alia is not just a leader; he is a leader to the greatest degree. This was particularly evident during the burial ceremony of the late Paul Unongo in Kendev-Unongo village, where his respect for tradition and protocol shone through.
Such moments reveal the essence of true leadership, understanding the importance of community, respect, and the solemnity of the occasion. Moreover, it should be noted that Fr. Alia is not the first Governor of Benue State. There were governors before Alia, and there can only be one sitting governor at a time. It is crucial to recognise the legitimacy of his position and the responsibilities it entails.
The persistent efforts to undermine him, whether directly or through proxies, are not only unbecoming but also detrimental to the progress of our state. It is a well-known fact that in leadership and governance, there are firmly established conventions and protocols that guide our interactions and engagements. To disregard these principles is to, if we must put it pleasantly, the height of rascality.
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Once more, it is rather disappointing to see those who are supposedly versed in these protocols turn around and consciously disregard them, all to cast dark clouds over the reputation of a sitting leader. This behaviour erodes respect for our institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for future governance. There is a time for everything, including respect for the office of the governor. Instead of encouraging divisiveness, we should be striving for unity and togetherness.
Governor Alia needs all the support, prayers, and encouragement as he works tirelessly for the betterment of Benue State.
The time has come for us to rise above primordial acrimony and embrace a spirit of cooperation that benefits all citizens.
Finally, it is more beneficial if we unite to uphold the dignity of our leadership and ensure that the spirit of governance in Benue State remains strong and unyielding. It is our communal responsibility to promote an environment of respect and support for those who serve us.
. Kula is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.