Benue: 4,000 members of various political parties in Gboko,Tarka communities defect to APC

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

No fewer than four thousand members of various political parties in Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency have defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in Benue state.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the defectors dumped their various political parties and joined the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, during a thank you tour by the governor, Hyacinth Alia, that took place at the Gboko township stadium.

Governor, Alia who spoke during the ‘Thank you tour’ declared that his administration will construct ten rural roads in Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency within the next few months.

He said that the construction of the said roads will be an addition to the ongoing construction of a flyover in Gboko, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv nation.

The governor stated that he made no mistake in his decision to construct flyover in Gboko and Makurdi, saying that both the proposed 10 new roads in Gboko and Tarka with the underpasses Gboko and Makurdi, will undergo construction simultaneously and shall be deliver on time.

He vowed to remain committed to the delivery of projects for Benue people, stressing that the opportunity that Benue people gave him to serve them is a privilege, which he took so seriously and vowed never to disappoint them.

Governor Alia explained that upon assumption of office one year ago, he has deliberately embarked on delivery of people oriented policies and programmes, aimed at improving the lives and wellbeing of Benue citizens.

He said in the last one year, his administration has carried out massive construction of roads, renovation of offices and prompt payment of salary and pension to civil servants and pensioners.

The governor disclosed that he has directed that the salary of workers should no longer be paid on 25th of every month but now as from 22nd of every month to enhance their standard of living.

“I have initiated policies that restore peace and public order in the State. I have also initiated programs for youths of the State, to engage them in acts that could make themselves reliant.

Governor however appealed to the people of the area to shun acts that are capable of thwarting development and remain supportive of his administration for more dividends of democracy.

He particularly thanked the people of Gboko and Tarka local government areas for the show of love, care and support given to him in the last one year and promised to bring more development to their areas.

Earlier in his remarks, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Chief Barnabas Gemade, said governor Alia has lived up to people’s expectations, hence his developmental strides and good governance.

The State Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Benjamin Omakolo, thanked the people of Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency for choosing Alia as their governor.

He stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia has so far led Benue people very well as evident in the execution of numerous projects and timing payments of workers and pensioners entitlement.

Mr. Omakolo noted that Governor Alia has never borrowed or taken loan from any bank or organisation to execute projects and pay salary of workers, rather, he was prudently using the monies from federation allocations and internally generated revenues to do what he had done so far.

He described Father Alia as a committed and dedicated servant whose passion for development and wellbeing of people made him leave his priestly assignment to come and develop Benue State.

The APC chairman announced that the 4,000 defectors who are members of various political parties in Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency have been received into the party with thanks.