By Bridget Ikyado
The governorship flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general elections in Benue, Rev Hyacinth Alia has called on Benue people to work for the unity and good of the state.
This is contained in a statement by Isaac Uzaan ,Media Aide to the APC candidate,Alia said this
In a call at his 32nd Priestly Anniversary and Thanksgivings Mass .
The occasion was put together by Ihugh Network for Fr. Alia at St. Winifred Catholic Church, Ihugh, Vandeikya local government area.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for the privilege to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ at the service of the people of God for over 32 years.
He appealed to Benue sons and daughters to shun ethnicity and religious issues but rather join hands to fight for the good of the state.
Alia decried the pathetic state of affairs in the state, pointing out areas that are completely being neglected by the government in power, thereby, causing untold hardships to the good people of Benue State.
He reiterated that the poor condition of Benue people and the urgent demand to change the hitherto unfavorable political situation in the state has informed his decision to join partisan politics.
“Contrary to speculations in some quarters that I have been stripped of my priesthood, the governorship hopeful explained that he is a priest forever.
” I have only taken a sabbatical from public ministration to salvage the nasty political clime in the state,he said.
The APC Huber candidate promised to turnaround the fortunes of the state for the good of the people and the nation at large.
He called on all Benue people to forget party divides now and join hands to work for the good of the state and her peoples.
Earlier in a sermon, Rev Fr Clement Mato ,parish priest of the church advised Christians to remain resolute and unwavering in their faith even in the face of trials and difficulties, believing that God will surely come to their rescue.
Fr. Mato blamed politicians for the general hardship and poor condition of the state, and called on the people to take advantage of their numerical strength as Christians and actively participate in politics.
He said they should do that with a view to making things better for the people.
The clergy however prayed for God’s guidance and mercies upon the state and the forth going leadership.
Prominent at the thanksgiving mass were Elder Simon Shango who representated the Honourable Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. Dr. George Akume.
State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Austin Agada and other executives of the party in the state, Elder Jack Tilley Gyado, and Members of the Alia Alliance Campaign Organization.
And hundreds of support groups, priests, religious and a host of many others.