- Vow To Tackle Governor’s Blackmailers
By Amos Aar
THE MBANGUR Community Elites’ Coalition (MECOA) has called on the Benue State House of Assembly to accelerate the passage of the bill establishing the University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State.
The coalition emphasised the university’s importance for educational advancement in the state and vowed to defend Governor Hyacinth Alia against blackmailers and any attempts to undermine his administration.
Reading a communiqué at the end of their first general meeting of 2025, Akpenpuun Terhide James, MECOA’s spokesperson, highlighted the group’s commitment to promoting unity, peace, and security to ensure the governor’s effective governance.
MECOA reaffirmed its unwavering support for the governor, who is their kinsman. “We wish to appreciate His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for the move to establish a new University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, and we urge the Benue State House of Assembly to expeditiously pass the bill into law,” the communique reads in part.
The group also stated: “Henceforth, we shall no longer condone or remain silent over public unguarded utterances against Governor Alia and acts capable of undermining his personality and office.
“Therefore, we are appealing to those who may have been aggrieved for one reason or another, especially from Mbadede, Kunav land, Jechira, and Benue State at large, to come back and support His Excellency Governor Alia in putting Benue State on a new map of development.
“We will do our best to embrace with open arms those who have seen the light and are willing to retrace their steps to support our brother, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.”
The coalition, comprising relatives and stakeholders from the governor’s Mbangur Community in Mbadede Ward, Vandeikya LGA, expressed pride in the governor’s achievements since assuming office.
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They highlighted the achievements to include “massive road construction across the state, establishment of factories producing bread, water, fertilizer, and ZEVA Lager Beer through the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), renovation of the state secretariat and installation of streetlights in Makurdi, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities for civil servants, among others.
MECOA condemned efforts to tarnish the governor’s image and vowed to stand by him in resisting any acts aimed at undermining his personality or office.
They called on aggrieved individuals and groups to reconcile and join hands in supporting the governor’s developmental agenda, pledging to distance themselves from anyone opposing his progress.
Reaffirming their vote of confidence in Governor Alia, MECOA described him as a transformative leader, as it thanked the people of Benue for their continued support and encouraged them to remain steadfast as the governor works tirelessly to address the state’s challenges.
