By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
An elder statesman, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd), has declared that the Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia accepting to serve as governor is a great sacrifice to people of the state and future generations.
The former military administrator for Plateau and Katsina states who made the declaration while featuring as guest speaker at the 58th birthday celebration of the Benue governor, held weekend in Makurdi, noted that willingness of the governor to serve has demonstrated much love even if the present and future generations failed to acknowledge, arguing that Alia’s approach to governance by especially prioritizing the wellbeing of future generations over immediate gratifications has encouraged many people of good conscience across the globe.
“I have observed with keen interest the unalloyed commitment of His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s approach to good governance, transparency, openness, accountability and fairness” Onoja attested.
He said it is not surprising that the governor has placed premium on the people as centerpiece for delivering of democratic governance since his inauguration on May 29.
Onoja expressed sadness that Governor Alia has experienced unpleasantness in some political quarters, despite his continued show of love, expressing optimism that those political misunderstanding and misrepresentation would be transformed into platforms for fostering political cooperation, understanding, confidence and consensus building as well as good governance.
He equally expressed optimism that Governor Alia would not relent on the path of love for the people, good governance, accountability, transparency, openness and accommodation, praying God to continue to grant the governor victories for the consolidation of unity of Benue State.
Also speaking as chairman of the occasion, Senator Barnabas Gemade, told the governor to be ready to make more enemies, if he wants to effectively deliver good governance.