May 30, (THEWILL)- Director, Catholic Television of Nigeria, Reverend Fr Patrick Alumuku, and Professor Mvendaga Jirbo, have called on Benue state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to manage the opposition, and his party members by opening channels of communication with them.
Father Alumuku spoke in his paper, “Building Bridges: Communication Model for Unity, Peace and Fast Economic Development in Benue State”, during a public lecture to mark Alia’s one year in office.
“Remember as the priest and Shepherd that you are, open your ears to even voices of dissent and lead all together towards progress and a brighter future.”
The Cleric implored Governor Alia to note the giant strides he has taken to end the regime of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities.
“We notice your plans to open new roads. We urge you to work closely with your Commissioner for Lands for the urbanisation of our towns and cities”.
Father Alumuku, stressed the need for a dialogical Communication strategy to unite and connect people of all tribes and cultural backgrounds, to work together towards achieving greater development goals for Benue State and the nation.
According to him, if special attention is given to the media and media organisations within the state, it will create a conducive atmosphere for political stability and peace which will, in turn, serve as a springboard to the desired new Benue of our dreams.
“Since the media is a catalyst for development, a special consideration to the media and communications sector can further improve the relationship and create a synergy and better understanding with the various development sectors including education, banking, health, land acquisition and use, agriculture, infrastructure and especially women.”
While urging Governor Alia to remain resolute in a bid to rewrite Benue history positively, Fr Alumuku prayed to the Lord to grant his choicest blessings in a long life in good health in the course of duty.
In a Goodwill message, a Professor of Political Science, Mvendaga Jirbo, the revitalisation of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi by the Alia administration is for the good of the common man to access health facilities within an immediate environment.
He pointed out that Governor Alia’s problem with the political class is that he came in with an innovation which is at odds with their old ways of sharing.
He called on Governor Alia to assemble old technocrats such as former Commissioners, retired Permanent Secretaries, Directors and new generations on perspective in his administration for the good of the state.
Earlier, former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, and Chairman of the occasion, Professor Steve Ugba, noted that the gathering was to celebrate a milestone in the history of Benue state under governor Hyacinth Alia.
According to Professor Ugba, some projects Governor Alia did in twelve months were commendable, pointing out that the 7-point agenda of his administration has come to stay.
He scored the Governor high in the area of security as the frequent attacks on families have been reduced but for a few cases in the hinterlands, saying road network, infrastructural development and other strides have endeared Governor Alia to the people and called for patience.
