Iorfa Akpen
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State declared Saturday that no insult or political gang-up will stop his mission to restore Benue’s standing among Nigeria’s leading states.
Speaking on May 2, 2026 at Government House Makurdi, the governor said reformers expect attacks but he is prepared to absorb them all rather than be deterred from delivering results.
The declaration came as he received APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the 2027 governorship race. The forms were purchased jointly by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Benue Chapter, led by Chairman Michael Vembe, and the Benue Motorcycle Association, led by State President Comrade Terfa Aha.
Alia thanked both groups for their confidence and said the gesture strengthens his resolve to pursue governance that directly touches the lives of ordinary citizens.
Central to his address was the announcement that Taraku Mills will be revitalized. He called the company a critical piece of his economic strategy for Benue.
The revival aims to restart industrial activity in the area, generate jobs for youths, and deepen the state’s agro-based economy. Alia framed it as part of a broader push for sustainable growth beyond short-term relief.
He tied the Taraku Mills plan to other ongoing efforts to reposition Benue, stressing that policies under his watch must translate to tangible improvements for the mass majority.
While receiving the nomination forms, the governor listed milestones of his first term. Prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities topped the list.
He also pointed to expanded road infrastructure across rural and urban areas, plus upgrades in health and education. These, he said, prove a deliberate commitment to responsible and inclusive governance.
Alia assured citizens that more development initiatives are already underway. The goal is to consolidate current gains and open new economic opportunities in all zones of the state.
On security, the governor acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support in protecting lives and property. He described security as the foundation for every policy and program to succeed in Benue.
Looking ahead to 2027, Alia revealed he has written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He is requesting a meeting of the entire Benue APC family to unify the party before the general elections.
Earlier, leaders of NUP and BEMOA explained why they bought the forms. They cited the end of delayed pensions and salaries, construction of township and rural roads, and installation of solar lights to improve night-time security.
For them, those results are proof Alia deserves a second term to continue what they called a clear turnaround in Benue’s fortunes.
