Mr Maurice Orwough, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue chapter, has urged the people to pray for Gov. Hyacinth Alia to continue with his people-orientated governance.
Orwough, who is also the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area (LGA), made the appeal at his Thanksgiving Mass in Umenger, Guma LGA.
The chairman said that Alia, in less than two years, has positively impacted the lives of Benue people.
He said that the Alia administration has restored peace in many parts of the state, including Guma.
“We are here not for politics but to thank God for what He used Gov. Alia to do in my life and for the people of Guma.
“The road linking Daudu and Gbajimba is under construction courtesy of Gov. Alia, and work is progressing steadily.
“Please help me thank God and the governor for the restoration of peace in Guma and many parts of the state.
“The governor has done a lot in terms of security in this local government, and many people have returned to their ancestral homes and farms.
“I am here to thank God for what he has done in my life. This is the third job I got in the Alia government: I was appointed assembly liaison officer, elected chairman of Guma and immediately nominated as chairman of ALGON,” he said.
According to him, it is the first time in the history of the state that someone of his age has occupied the office of the chairman of Guma and ALGON.
Orwough urged the people to support and work for the re-election of Alia for more development for Guma and Benue in general.
Alia, in his remarks, restated his administration’s commitment to restoring an enduring peace in the state.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, described peace as a veritable tool for development.
He said that the state government would ensure that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their ancestral homes.
Alia said that the return of the IDPs would boost agricultural production in the state.
The Deputy Chief Whip, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Alfred Emberga, lauded the ALGON chairman for the impact he has created within a short time.
Emberga said that the lawmakers were working towards empowering local governments with the right legislations to boost their operations.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Pila, in his sermon, prayed God to restore permanent peace in Benue and Nigeria.
Pila said that the relationship between church and state brings development and urged the people to sustain it.
The cleric advised the people, particularly politicians, to be decent in talking about other people.
“Gossiping has become a lucrative business for many people.
“Most of the time, those listening to gossip and those that gossip both suffer the consequences,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by members of the Benue State Executive Council, local government chairmen, lawmakers and traditional rulers, among others.
