Over 4,459 supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political parties in Benue State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection took place in the Sankera region, which comprises Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (LGAs), as well as in Kwande and Ushongo LGAs, during the commencement of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s state-wide thank-you tour.

Governor Alia organised the tour to show appreciation to the people of Benue State for overwhelmingly voting him into office in the March 2023 general election.

Speaking at the Akume Atonho Stadium in Katsina-Ala on Tuesday, Governor Alia thanked the people of Sankera for their support, which led to his victory.

Alia expressed concern that Sankera, a hub for yam production in the country, was severely affected by attacks from armed bandits. He emphasised that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and urged citizens to collaborate in addressing the issue.

He encouraged the formation of cooperative societies to facilitate access to farm inputs and other benefits from his administration, promoting self-reliance.

Governor Alia refuted reports of borrowing substantial sums from foreign financial institutions for infrastructure projects. He explained that awarding the contract for the Sankera-Chito-Vaase road was intended to address the worsening insecurity in the area.

He disclosed that he had requested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assistance in constructing more roads in Sankera. The President approved the construction of the Katsina-Ala Head Bridge-Hausa Quarters/Victory Bible Church Wukari Junction road and the Zaki-Biam Yam Market-Iwar Ior-Y Junction roads. He urged the people to be patient, assuring them of the President’s good intentions for the state.

Speaking on behalf of his constituents, Hon. Solomon Wombo, the member representing Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, endorsed Governor Alia for a second term.

The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, praised the Alia administration’s one-year scorecard, claiming it surpassed that of his predecessor.

Biam stated that the Alia administration planned to implement a “stomach infrastructure” programme for the people after addressing critical projects, ensuring they feel the impact of governance.

“After roads and other infrastructural development, the governor will resort to stomach infrastructure and the cries of hunger will be a thing of the past,” he added.

In Kwande and Ushongo LGAs, Governor Alia expressed gratitude for the people’s support and promised to reciprocate by constructing the Adikpo-Mbape-Ada road to connect the state to neighbouring Cross River State.

He commended the chairman of Kwande LGA for providing electricity to Adikpo town within a few days in office. However, he expressed concern about the insecurity in the local government, particularly armed herdsmen attacks and illegal mining. He urged traditional rulers to collaborate with authorities to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.

The acting state chairman of the APC, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, urged continued support for the Alia administration to advance the state’s development.

Large crowds turned out to welcome the governor, some carrying placards with various inscriptions expressing solidarity with him. Some of the placards read “The Peoples Governor, Thank you for reconstructing our Roads,” “Our Governor, Thank you for bringing our bones back to life,” “Dr Hyacinth Alia Zan Zan 2031,” meaning he will be Governor until 2031. (Daily Sun)