By Emmanuel Antswen
A Benue socio-cultural group, Jemgbagh Progressive Youth Alliance (JPYA), has scored President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue high for their achievements in less than two years in office.
JPYA Convener, Mr Douglas Atume, made their position known on Wednesday in Gboko during a press conference, saying that the duo have positively impacted the country and the state.
Atume said that the youths in Jemgbagh, comprising Gboko, Tarka, and Buruku local government areas, have every reason to support the president and governor to succeed and win a second term for what they have done thus far.
He said that while Tinubu has placed the nation on the path of economic recovery and stability, Alia has restored the hope of the masses in democracy.
The convener particularly noted that the governor implemented a ₦75,000 minimum wage for Benue workers and was paying salaries, pensions, and gratuities regularly.
He added that Alia has also focused on improving the educational, agricultural, health, and security sectors as well as infrastructural development.
Atume stated that Jemgbagh has already taken her fair share of projects with the ongoing construction of an underpass in Gboko among other projects too numerous to mention, adding that all achievements were tangible and could be seen.
On the recent outburst by one Abua Yajir that Jemgbagh people would not vote for Alia for a second term, he said Yajir and his likes do not speak for the Jemgbagh people.
He said people like Yajir should not be taken seriously because of his previous records.
“For those who understand the political operations in Benue since the return of uninterrupted democracy in 1999, they will understand that the second term bid of Gov. Alia is supposed to be a personal project of the Jemgbah bloc.
“One wonders why some political desperados will rise at this critical moment to undermine our yearnings and aspirations as a people.
“Finally, in line with the biblical juxtaposition which states that, “Touch not my anointed, and do my prophet no harm, JYPA hereby extends our unreserved support to Alia and President Bola Tinubu for their re-election bid in 2027.
“We believe that together, we can continue this journey of transformation, progress, and unprecedented development for our beloved Jemgbagh, Benue, and Nigeria at large.
“The governor, demonstrating his awareness of his ancestral roots, has also taken significant steps to ensure that Jemgbagh remains integral to the decision-making processes of our state.
“This inclusive governance model demonstrates that Alia values the contributions of the Jemgbagh people and strives for representation and equity,” he said. NAN
