Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, on Friday asked his predecessors to refrain from interfering in his administration, saying that they have had their own term.
The governor gave the warning while briefing journalists in Makurdi, the state capital after his return from United States of America.
Though the governor did not particularly mention anybody, his predecessor, the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom had during the celebration of his 63rd birthday, said that those advising the governor (his successor) to be at daggers drawn with the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, did not have the interest of the state at heart.
Ortom said leaders should always be open to advice, adding that it was the responsibility of the governor to do the needful so that the state will be at peace.
“The governor alone cannot do this; it requires all of us to support him. If called upon, I will give the necessary support to make things work. We all have a responsibility to pray and advise our leaders,” he said.
But speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Governor Alia said, “I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or Civil Servant. If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contribute to Benue, shut up. You had your term you went through it, allow the administration to work.
“You did your part and if you are in the state, know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms are welcomed but verify your facts.
“If you have served your tenure, you cannot stay by the side and destabilise this government,” the governor said.
Speaking on his visit to USA, Governor Alia said that he along nine other governors of the North were invited by the US Peace Institute to chat a way forward on insecurity confronting the region.
“Ten governors were there and a number of things were considered for implementation. Among them is how to get back out displaced persons home which is paramount to me.
“I have been away in the last eight days to sell the image of the state and clearly, it is a battered image.
“In the past, Benue wasn’t even at the national radar. It’s going to be a place where other states will come to learn, emulate and take back to their states.
“Farmers are getting back to farm in Gwer West, Gwer East, Guma and Makurdi among others are enjoying relative peace.
“Those of us at the home front must do our best. Each person is a security personnel and it must go beyond seeing something and saying something.
“Don’t let anybody buy you off to sell your people; don’t let anyone cow you to sell off your land. Cooperate with the security agencies to give us their best.
“The uniform people are here with us and for us. If someone wants to use you to steal cows or to cause mischief, tell them to bring back their children to take part or to be at the front
“If we get to know of such in any community the person will face the music. Our people cannot settle for less. I’m a man of peace and I am poised to bringing peace in the state.
“I don’t want to stop at paying salaries or paying arrears, we have gone ahead to start employment.
“Whoever has called the Benue youth thugs should withdraw that statement. The youths of the state have suffered in the past, and we won’t want anyone to picket them,” the governor said.
