ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, REV. FR. DR. HYACINTH IORMEM ALIA, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INTERFACE WITH MEDIA GROUPS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MAKURDI

  

SATURDAY, 5TH AUGUST, 2023.

PROTOCOLS.

Let me start by appreciating all the media groups for your prompt response to be here for this interface, which is in furtherance of your uncommon commitment, unwavering support and uncommon allies.

2. The world over, the media have become partners in faithfully championing for peace, development and rule of law as the ingredients for a progressive society. That is why as watch dogs, they know when to set the right agenda for a robust discourse towards shaping meaningful views and opinions that translate into achieving development goals. 

3. Distinguished Gentlemen of the Press, there is no gainsaying that your news reports, your insightful editorials, and your beautiful commentaries have always shown the way to go for a prosperous today and tomorrow. We are here today to recognize, highlight and appreciate all your inputs over time, which have taken us to where we are now. We are here to tell you that will never take your goodwill for granted. 

4. The media have been part of the whole process from our stepping forward to be mandated to run, to the campaign season, right up to election time and now, after winning the popular vote to serve. We are however aware that it is still work in progress. Now that active politicking is supposed to be over, I call on all who had pitched tents with politicians and parties from the different political divides, to brace up and join hands with us to develop the State. This, unfortunately, is not the case. On our part, we remain committed to serve, we cannot, but bring you side by side with us in this challenging task now and in future. 

5. We are conscious that we cannot effectively and efficiently weather the storm and as well offer high quality service, without you. 

6. As partners in progress, you are invited to be guided always by the genuineness of our good intentions, the transparency of our ways and the fairness and just outcomes, which we are committed to the driving of our laudable programmes. We have removed over 2500 names of ghost workers and thereby saved the State over N1.2 billion naira in the first phase of the screening exercise. We are also regularly paying workers’ salary and pensioners. We are now renovating the Benue State House of Assembly complex that had been abandoned to waste away for a very long time. 

7. We have visited our IDP camps and efforts are being made to provide the conducive atmosphere for them to return to their ancestral homes to go about their normal ways of life. We have provided fertile at a subsidized rate of fifty percent and it is now available everywhere for farmers to buy at a;; the designated fertilizer depots across the State.

8. Similarly, we are committed to peace building as we engage the military and security agencies in curtailing attacks on our people. We have also put a stop on multiple levies, illegal check points and illegal taxations which was having a negative impact on the state economy. 

9. Just last week, I announced an improved monthly allowances for NYSC members serving in Benue, while the medical doctors are to receive one hundred thousand naira, the others are receiving fifteen thousand naira only, as an improvement of the meager twenty and five thousand naira that was given them in the past.   

10. Today, we are the first government in the entire country to implement the revised medical residency training fund (MRTF) 2023 at the revised rate.

11. Gentlemen of the Press, you are in the best position to see through all that we stand for, which is why we have total trust that you would continue to tow the fine journalistic ideals of fairness by balancing your reports, being objective at all times and above all, being guided by facts, which don't lie. 

12. Finally, it is not without your knowledge that, those who failed Benue in the past are today being rattled by our breaking the barriers of corruption, lack of patriotism and selfishness exploits that held us backwards. Today, we trust as always that, you would discern as fine gentlemen, and refuse to go or dwell in the cesspit of lies, mischief and cheap propaganda with the enemies of our State. We believe too that, instead, you would remain noble in your professional calling and as true agents of positive change with your unbiased reports and robust feedback mechanisms. 

13. Together, let us stop the enemies of the State who do not want a reign of decorum and truth to exist with their sworn goal of antagonizing, blackmailing and stagnating the progress, unity and happiness that we are determined to usher, which we believe that Benue people deserve, as their democratic right.  

14. Once more, I appreciate your presence here and assure you of our government's openness, readiness to serve and commitment to working with you, Gentlemen of the Press, in our agenda of restoring hope to the state.

Thank you and welcome.

Credit: Dr. Aondona Mkor