By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the provisions of critical infrastructures to the state with attention now on the construction of rural roads which is to commence soon.
Governor Alia indicated Saint Gerald’s Majella Cathedral, Katsina-Ala, on Saturday, during a requiem mass in honour of his maternal uncle, the late Chief Abu King Shuluwa, the Tor Sankera and Chairman, Sankera Traditional Council.
According to the governor, the 16 number township roads initially approved and on which work has reached an advanced stage, with some already completed, will fully be completed by April.
“Attention will then be shifted to the rural areas where roads will be constructed to ease transportation challenges facing people especially farmers in conveying their farm produce to the markets”.
Gov. Alia further disclosed that the Makurdi-Gboko, Yandev-Ugbema-Katsina Ala, Yandev-Buruku crossing point and Kastina Ala- Wukari highways have been captured in the 2024 budget of the federal government, and my administration would continue to press on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to commence work on the road projects”.
The governor described the late Chief Shuluwa as a man of peace, who made sacrifices and was able to touch and impact many lives in different ways, pointing out that he died with his boots on, canvassing for peace to reign and return to the Sankera axis.
He called for a careful and fair selection process for the replacement of the vacant positions of the class and second-class Chiefs of the axis, who were now late, adding that their choice would determine the success and development of the axis.
Governor Alia who also warned against all illegal activities and security breaches in the axis, said he had promised to develop the state and make it conducive for the people and for ease of doing business and as such, he would not relent until such is achieved.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv, HRH, Prof James Iorzua Ayatse, represented by Tor Kwande, HRH Chief Ambrose Iortyer called for unity and prayers for a better Tivland and Benue state in general.
He emphasized the need for integrity, transparency and due process to ensure the right leaders were chosen.
In his Eulogy, the Bishop, of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Reverend Isaac Dugu, called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders from other Local Governments to join hands with those in the Sankara axis to end banditry, kidnappings and other forms of criminality in the area.
Bishop Isaac Dugu, while regretting the death of the late Tor Sankera, Chief Abu King Shuluwa and that of the late Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, urged the Tor Tiv, King Makers and the Governor, to ensure that those who would be selected to fill the vacant stool of Ter Katsina-Ala and Tor Sankera, are people of proven integrity and with the fear of God.
Other Dignitaries who also showered encomium on the late Chief Shuluwa, were former Governor Gabriel Suswam, former and serving senators from the state, traditional rulers, family members as well as other well-wishers within and outside the state.
