Appreciation has a profound impact on individuals.  So when leaders think it wise to sincerely appreciate the people they govern, it creates a sense of belonging and oneness. By acknowledging and appreciating the people for their contributions towards their success, leaders in whatever category, tend to foster a more positive and collaborative society. For the elected officials, this helps them to connect with their people on a personal level, opening channels for valuable contributions and feedback from the electorates, thereby creating mutual respect, benefiting both officials and the electorates and of course, the whole society.

Since the creation of Benue State in 1976, no democratically elected Governor of the State has enjoyed the huge number of votes, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, received from the Benue electorates during the 2023 governorship elections. As a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia got a humongous 473,933 votes. This is a demonstration of acceptability, trust, love and the belief the majority of the voters had in the governor.

To return the favour, the Governor thought it wise to go back  to the electorates on a “Thank You Tour,’’ in order to appreciate and show gratitude to his people for electing him as 6th democratically elected governor of the state. This is aside from the efforts he has put in the last one year, to ensure the Benue people enjoy good governance.

The decision of the governor to embark on this visit is a clear departure from the past, as over the years, governors and other elected officials go back to the electorates, only during the next electoral cycle. The move by the governor is a clear indication that he has never taken this huge love and trust bequeathed to him by Benue people for granted.

The “Thank You Tour” which took the governor to all the eleven (11) Federal Constituencies of the state, began at Katsina-Ala on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, and it ended in Otukpo on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024.

Across all the constituencies, the people were excited to see their governor. They couldn’t hold back their happiness and appreciation for his efforts in transforming the state from the sorry situation he inherited it from.

From the mammoth crowd of Benue people that came out to receive him (both young and old, Elderstatesmen, party faithful, traditional rulers and the clergy), one could easily see the increasing level of support the governor enjoys from the people of the state. From the Benue North East, to the Benue North West and then Benue South; the crowd kept increasing. It was pure love for the Benue State governor.

The people of the various constituencies all welcomed him with beaming smiles, lauding his dexterity in handling the affairs of the State since his assumption of office in 2023. They appreciated him for making great strides in infrastructural development, payment of salaries and pensions, improved security of the state, creating avenues for Benue youths to be employed, his giant strides in the agricultural sector; changing the fortunes of Benue links Transport Company and for also fixing the educational sector in the state. Several votes of confidence were passed on the governor and his administration, as the people assured him of their continued support beyond 2027.  

Through the tour, the governor was able to identify the challenges of all the communities in the state. From his interactions with traditional rulers, stakeholders, opinion leaders and the entire masses of each constituency, Governor Alia got more ideas on what he really needs to do to fix the State.

It was through these interactions that several road contracts were mentioned. From the award for the construction of Adikpo-Mbape road in Kwade/Ushongo Federal Constituency, to the construction of the Adikpo-Kotiyough-Orkofa, as well as the Branch Atser-Kporinya – Wuese – Tse – Agberagba – Gungur – Awajir road in Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, to the revival the Taraku Mills in Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency, to the construction of the Obagaji to Okololo to Agagbe road in Apa/Agatu Federal constituency etc. The governor saw the need for these during the thank you tour.

His speeches during the tour were full of appreciation for the people of the state for electing him amongst several other candidates.  He restated his resolve to continue to give his all to ensure that Benue state gets back to where it should be amongst the great states of the nation, urging the people of the state to continue to be patient with his administration, especially as new ways of doing things takes time.

It is commendable that in all his outings, the governor attributed his successes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor did not fail to give credit to the federal government for most of the projects, reminding the people that he was in constant touch with the president before taking most of his decisions. This shows that Benue State has reconnected back to the federal government, and there are bound to be more benefits for the state as a result of this cordial relationship.

Traditional rulers in all the constituencies honoured the governor and their son, in appreciation for his laudable achievements within a short period of one year in office. He also promised to always carry them along in his decision making, promising to continue to support them for the overall good of the state.

Indeed, Governor Alia has taken governance back to the people, and has given room for inputs from the governed. Through the visits, the people made more requests and suggestions, using the avenue provided by the governor for a closer interaction with his people. He gave them assurance of more development from his administration, and that of the Tinubu led federal government.

Overall, Governor Alia’s “Thank You Tour” was a resounding success, reinforcing his connection with the people of Benue State and generating a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future. He has shown that he is going to involve the electorates in the running of the affairs of the state, as long as he remains the governor of Benue State. He has also demonstrated his willingness to engage directly with the citizens and to make their concerns his top priority.

Indeed, the governor’s tour has rekindled in the minds of the Benue electorates, a strong sense of belonging in the current administration. 

Sir Kula is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor