Benue Deputy Gov Urges Politicians to Work for the Country’s Unity

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to close ranks and work in unity for the overall and speedy development of Nigeria and Benue State in particular.

Ode made the call yesterday in Makurdi where he stated that the administration of his principal, Rev. Fr. Hyicenth Alia, was eagerly ready and determined to provide quality leadership and good governance to the people of the state.

He promised that the state government would partner with the media for development to thrive in the state, which has experienced underdevelopment for too long.

Ode explained that since electioneering and campaigns were over, it is now time to deliver good governance to the people.

He said: “It is time for our administration to provide the much needed service that will lead the people out of abject poverty- line, to give them a new lease of
life.” 

“So, I am using this opportunity to call for support of the Benue people irrespective of political affiliations, tribal or religious inclinations.

“I feel honoured to serve Benue State under the leadership of Rev. Alia, who found me worthy to run on the same ticket with him. This is because quite a lot of people were interested in the office but the governor, a Catholic priest and man of great spiritual insight that has served in the state in different communities, was able to do his own diligence to discover I am the best pair for him to contest the election that brought them to office. I promise never to disappoint the governor and Benue people.”

“Furthermore, I will forever remain grateful to the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), other stakeholders and leaders of the party at all levels for their various contributions that saw the APC victorious.”

Ode also expressed appreciation to APC as the party that provided the team with the platform and goodwill to contest which eventually saw them emerging as winners during the last general election.

He recalled his relationship with the media way back as local government chairman, special adviser to the governor on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and minister, saying that he cannot push journalists away from his affairs.

The deputy governor assured the media of government partnership and enjoined them to always be constructive and objective in their reportage.

 “The media should not under-report the government but engage constructively for the world to know about both the big and little achievements of the government.

“I can assure you that as a government, the Alia administration would do its own work as well as allow the media to do theirs, as the collective objective would be for the enhancement of a better society in Benue and Nigeria,” Ode stated.